A recent report co-authored by YW Kitchener-Waterloo (YWKW), the longest-serving and largest social services organization for women and youth in the region, Coalition of Muslim Women, and Community Justice Initiatives, is part of Project Willow, a study depicting violence against women in the Waterloo Region.
The study highlights the fact that 92 per cent of homeless women reported experiencing violence at least once a week.
This is just one of many shocking statistics that sheds light on the challenges that women experiencing homelessness face in the region.
While it is estimated that there are 235,000 homeless individuals across Canada, this number doesn’t account for the many women living in temporary accommodations such as hotels, with friends or strangers, or in housing situations that are inadequate. Many of the clients that we serve at Shelter Movers fall into this category.
More than 8 in 10, or 83% of respondents also said they chose to stay in a housing situation that was also abusive or violent because it felt safer than being on the street.
Nearly all respondents said verbal violence is something they deal with on a regular basis.
At Shelter Movers, we continue to support any and all survivors regardless of their living situation. We recognize that everyone’s needs are different and don’t place a time limit on how long we store belongings for clients.
If you know of someone who could benefit from our services, you can refer a client or survivor for a move.