An Ottawa organization that helps women find shelter is getting a multi-million dollar boost from the Ontario government to build a new women’s shelter in the capital.
The Interval House is getting $3 million to replace an existing women’s shelter with a new one that will offer 30 beds to women and children fleeing domestic abuse. The current shelter offers 20 beds to area residents.
“You don’t know that there is someone beside you that needs that help,” said Madeleine Meilleur, Ontario’s minister of community and social services, on Friday.
“It doesn’t know any social class, it doesn’t know economic classes; there is women in all these situations that need help. They are either too embarrassed or they don’t know that help is there.”
The need for beds at women's shelter in Ottawa is considered urgent. On average, 5,000 women are turned away from Ottawa's shelters each year due to lack of beds.
The government touts the investment as a move that will create jobs and expand services.
