Jill's Place is focused on providing housing to those women who are sleeping “rough” or in shelters, as this level of homelessness can be the most challenging to escape from. Jill's Place:
The idea of starting a women’s rooming house was first discussed while working with the Outreach Housing Team at Bissell Centre, a local community service agency. Edmonton’s inner-city is heavily dominated by m
en, and this makes finding housing for women much more of a challenge. Women face unique barriers in obtaining housing, such as discrimination in the housing market based on where their income is coming from (such as s*x work and/or gov’t assistance). Sexual harassment and unsafe living situations are also significant realities women face. Rooming houses in the inner city cater to men, and many will only accept male tenants at all. Edmonton is home to some amazing women’s resources, but many of these are short-term options (like shelters) and available only to women who are fleeing domestic violence (DV). Options are scarce for low-income women without children in their custody and who do not meet the criteria of DV shelters. Unsuccessful in finding any women-only living options that did not discriminate against the inner-city population we worked with, I was motivated to start Jill’s Place to fill this niche need. Jill's Place could not have been made possible without the help of co-founder Braden Cavender. A key aspect in Edmonton’s Plan to End Homelessness is providing an adequate supply of permanent, affordable housing with appropriate supports for people who are homeless or unstably housed, and so it is my hope that Jill’s Place will contribute to Edmonton’s plan in a small but significant way. Here’s What Jill’s Place Provides:
-First and foremost, Jill’s Place provides affordable housing for women. The Housing-First and Harm-Reduction philosophies will be guiding lights in this venture. Women may come to Jill’s Place with a variety of challenges present in their life such as unstable and/or low income, addictions issues, past experiences of violence and trauma, and discrimination in the larger community. Priority will be given to those women who are sleeping “rough” or in shelters, as this level of homelessness can be the most challenging to escape from.
-Support with obtaining financial assistance/consistent income, and referrals to agencies for food, furniture, clothing, healthcare needs, etc.
-Positive experience in tenancy, and providing women with an understanding of their rights and roles as a tenant. Information about where to access resources in the community re: tenant/landlord relations will be readily available within the home, as well as other community resource information
-Access to all the necessities that a home provides, as well as access to important amenities such as internet, computers and printers, telephones, and laundry. The resource room also provides creative supplies, books, and soon a community calendar outlining the happenings in our city (meaningful daily activity is key!).
-Convenient downtown location, which is crucial for many inner-city citizens. Downtown is where the majority of community service agencies, healthcare providers, and other resources are. Jill’s Place is a mere block away from the Boyle McCauley Health Centre, the Mustard Seed, Bissell Centre, and many other health and social service resources in the community.
-Fully-furnished rooms, linens, and care packages to women who are moving in with nothing; we rely on donations and other agencies to help us meet these needs
