Canadian Mortgage News

January 2005 National News Archive

The Women's Centre (Grey & Bruce) Hosts Celebration

OWEN SOUND, Ontario, October 14, 2005 — The Women's Centre (Grey & Bruce) Inc. celebrated the official opening today of 10 newly renovated townhouses. The townhouses, part of The Women Centre's Second Stage Housing Program, offer transitional housing for women and their children in crisis.

The federal government provided $107,365 through Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation's (CMHC) Shelter Enhancement Program to renovate and upgrade the houses.

"The Government of Canada's contribution is part of an ongoing commitment to providing safe and affordable housing for Canadians," said the Honourable Joe Fontana, Minister of Labour and Housing. "We were pleased to partner with The Women's Centre to make improvements to housing which provides a safe, healthy environment for women and children."

The renovations include new kitchen cabinets, counters and properly-vented range hoods, the replacement of rear exterior doors with steel safety doors, and the addition of walkways, concrete patios and fencing to the townhouses' shared backyard. The renovations to the backyard have increased accessibility for persons with disabilities and provided privacy and security for the residents. As well, a modern, safe play unit was added to the backyard to create a playground for the resident children.

"The improvements have made a significant difference in the lives of Second Stage residents, children can play safely in their own backyard, and everyone benefits from the kitchen changes," said Christine Farrell, Chair of The Women's Centre Board.

The Women's Centre (Grey & Bruce) Inc. provides programs and services to women and children in crisis as a result of family violence and abuse. The Second Stage program has been offering safe, short-term affordable housing to women and their children for almost 20 years.

"By improving the quality of life and creating a safe and healthy refuge, our residents can focus on rebuilding their lives and confidence, for themselves and for their children," said Anne-Marie McLeish, Executive Director of The Women's Centre.

CMHC's Shelter Enhancement Program offers financial assistance for the repair, rehabilitation and improvement of existing shelters for women and their children, youth or men who are victims of family violence, and in acquiring or building new shelters and second-stage housing where needed.

CMHC is Canada's national housing agency with a mandate to help Canadians gain access to safe, quality and affordable housing. CMHC supports the Canadian housing industry and improves the living conditions of Canadians through its activities in mortgage loan insurance and securitization, assisted housing, research and information transfer and the promotion of Canadian housing exports.

For further information, please contact:

Anne Marie Watson
Fund Development Coordinator
The Women's Centre (Grey & Bruce) Inc.
(519) 376-0755

Beth Bailey
Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation
(416) 218-3355

News source: Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC)