Halton Women’s Place is a safe haven that provides emergency shelter and unwavering support for women and their children facing domestic violence and abuse.
Their 24-hour crisis line offers a direct connection to highly trained Crisis Intervention Counsellors who are experienced in providing assistance, information, resources, and crisis counselling. They will also help women who are navigating abusive situations to plan for their safety. Halton Women’s Place offers many resources for survivors including legal assistance, counselling, and transitional housing options.
Shelter Services
Halton Women’s Place operates two shelters, one in Burlington and another in Milton. They have a total capacity of 52 beds for women and children who urgently need to escape abusive environments. However, the demand for shelter beds is greater than the number of beds available, a shortage made more acute by the housing crisis.
Carm Bozzo is the Director of Philanthropy and Community Engagement at Halton Women’s Place. She says, “Women are staying in shelters much longer than ever, because there is no transitional housing available to leave the shelter system. They are staying longer while they try to determine their next steps.”
Educating the Community
Halton Women’s Place engages with children and youth in local schools to enlighten them about the dynamics of healthy relationships, consent, the impacts of bullying, media literacy, gender stereotypes, and dating advice. They believe education is the first step toward eradicating violence against women. The staff also educates community members on recognizing the signs of domestic violence and understanding its impact.
Other support programs
For women not living in the shelter system, Halton Women’s Place provides access to community-based services, including comprehensive support, referrals to relevant community resources, safety planning, crisis counselling, and support for women trying to navigate the legal system. The critical services it provides are made possible by the unwavering support of the community.
Halton Women’s Place is actively engaged in charity work and community engagement throughout the year to provide these critical services. They hold fundraising events throughout the year.
“Hope in Every Step”
In September, Halton Women’s Place is inviting the community to join them for “Hope in Every Step”, a walk to end violence against women and to show support for those impacted by gender-based violence in the community. They are encouraging men and boys to participate. Bozzo says, “We know that without the support of men and boys, learning more about this issue, wanting to make a change, wanting to be part of the solution, that this issue is never going to end.”
It's important to let women and children experiencing abuse know that men and boys are there to support them. On September 23rd and 24th, supporters will march, walk, and stride to raise awareness and funds for those affected by domestic violence.
Walk Dates:
- September 23rd Milton GO Station
- September 24th Burlington City Hall
Check in at both locations is 10am. The walk begins at 11am.
Carm Bozzo says, “This is a great opportunity for businesses to get involved as well. Not only to be a sponsor but to assemble a team. It’s a great team building experience that helps boost staff morale. It’s a fun event for an important cause.”
To register for the walk and create your JustGiving Fundraising page and to set your fundraising goal visit www.haltonwomensplace.com/hope-in-every-step/
By lacing up your sneakers and participating in “Hope in Every Step”, supporters will not only help generate funds, they will also take meaningful steps toward ending violence against women. Every step we take brings us closer to building a safer community.