05/27/2026
Yesterday, our CEO Andrea Silverstone testified before the House of Commons Standing Committee on the Status of Women (FEWO) on shelters and housing in addressing gender-based violence.
Our message was clear. Emergency shelters are not the solution for most women leaving abuse.
Most survivors need safe, stable, and affordable housing to rebuild their lives. When those options are not available, women are pushed into shelters by default. This overburdens systems meant for high-risk situations and limits access for those who need immediate protection.
Shelters are critical. They are not a catch-all solution.
We need to:
-Strengthen shelters for high-risk cases
-Build real housing pathways
-Invest in community-based supports
Women do not all need the same response. Our systems must reflect that.