Safe spaces open for women and children

Women and children in the Okanagan have more resources as they seek refuge from violence and abuse.

The Kelowna Women’s Shelter, in partnership with the B.C. government, opened 55 new safe spaces in West Kelowna.

“No matter where people live in B.C., they should have a safe place to go when they need it,” Ravi Kahlon, Minister of Housing, said.

“These 55 new spaces will be instrumental in providing women and their children leaving violent situations with the safe housing options they need, with supports that will help them on the path to recovery.”

The four-storey building has 23 transition-house beds within 10 rooms, each of which have as many as four beds and are connected to a private bathroom.

The building also has 32 second-stage homes, which can be used as transition spaces for women and gender-diverse people leaving violence. Each unit contains as many as four bedrooms, a small kitchen, storage and a private bathroom.

The main floor of the facility also has a lounge, indoor dining area, shared kitchen, storage and space for support programming.

“Providing safe housing for those fleeing domestic abuse is critical,” Michelle Dickie, interim executive director, Kelowna Women’s Shelter, said.

“We are relieved to be able to provide a much-needed second-stage program that includes safe housing for those looking to rebuild after abuse. It is important to continue to invest in supports for women to be able to take steps for safety and independence.”

The transition houses are staffed 24/7 to provide safe, short-term housing and supports. These units are typically used by women after they have left an abusive relationship or situation and are preparing for independent living.

“We know how important it is for women to find comfort and support in their living arrangements after leaving intimate-partner violence,” Kelli Paddon, Parliamentary Secretary for Gender Equity, said.

“Having distance and security is the first step when people are rebuilding their life and we will continue to lift up women in our province by supporting safe spaces like these transition-housing initiatives.”

The province provided approximately $16.2-million through the Building BC: Women’s Transition Housing Fund for the project, and an additional $1.9-million in annual operating funding will be provided to the facility from the province.