 515 rue MacLaren St., Ottawa ON, K1R 5K5
Phone: 233-2243 Fax: 233-9529
172 rue O'Connor St., Ottawa ON, K2P 1T5
Phone: 237-4669 Fax: 237-5659
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508 different women stayed at The Women’s Shelter in 2006 53,655 meals were provided at The Women’s Shelter in 2006 the average length of stay at The Women’s Shelter in 2006 was 16 days 211 women found permanent housing through the Housing Search Program ages of 2006 shelter residents are broken down as follows: under 16 years of age - 0
16 to 24 years of age - 124
25 to 34 years of age - 104
35 to 44 years of age - 154
45 to 54 years of age - 79
55 to 64 years of age - 25
65 and over - 8
average age of residents - 35
515 MacLaren Supportive Housing
26 women lived in safe, affordable, supportive housing at “515” in 2006 9 women received outreach and after-hours support through “515” the average length of residency at 515 MacLaren is 5.6 years the average age of residents at 515 MacLaren is 50.8 years McPhail House Transitional Housing
13 different women lived in the McPhail House transitional community 17 women were offered follow up supports through the McPhail House outreach programme the average length of residency at McPhail House is 1 year
Space Limitations at The Women’s Shelter
The need for more emergency shelter space for single homeless women remains a serious concern in our area. The Women’s Shelter is
doing its best to offer its new programmes in a space that has reached its capacity. Three new beds were added this year, making the current
capacity 52 beds per night.
Need for Housing and Supports for Homeless Women with Addictions
A new Women’s Round Table initiative has been meeting to look at key issues in shelter, housing and services for homeless women.
Women with chronic addictions are urgently under-served in the Ottawa community. Proposals for a collaborative response are being considered for action.
Increasing Support Needs of Senior Women in Cornerstone Residences
At 515 MacLaren, several senior residents are experiencing increased need for supports in the activities of daily living. We look forward to the day when a new supportive housing residence will be better suited to their needs.
Highlights of 2006-2007
The focus of the Cornerstone Strategic Plan is to create a Transitional Healing Community for Women moving beyond homelessness.
To achieve this goal, new programmes and services have been initiated and implemented in all three Cornerstone residences. Some of these include:
A new intake process has been developed to ensure more timely and comprehensive assistance immediately upon arrival at the shelter. Four workers have been assigned to provide residents with individualized coaching on setting and achieving goal plans for independence. A programme has been initiated for women seeking recovery from addictions. A transitional housing programme is assisting women with a full range of life skills, training, and community involvement opportunities. Volunteer activities and community partnerships have grown and expanded significantly. A new reception and crisis line system has been implemented.
515 MacLaren
Residents have been involved in a series of new programmes to increase their self-determination, self-confidence, and skills for sustainable community living. Many residents have moved to more independent housing, employment and volunteer work in the community and at Cornerstone. 515 MacLaren is developing a growing capacity to provide sustainable housing for women in a number of uniquely complex circumstances.
McPhail House
Residents at McPhail House have taken part in a number of city-wide leadership initiatives for women. They
are representing Cornerstone at city council budget hearings, on housing advocacy panels, and at agency fundraising activities. They are a testimony that safe,
affordable housing can be the crucial factor in someone’s journey out of homelessness.
A number of exciting new initiatives have been introduced this year to increase Cornerstone’s capacity to deliver life changing programmes for women at risk of homelessness. These include:
expansion of the role of the Resource Development Committee to take leadership in Cornerstone’s fund raising and donor relations activities, along with a special project to develop the Cornerstone fundraising plan launch of a new website to provide information and access to Cornerstone’s programs — visit us at Cornerstone / Le Pilier increased involvement of volunteers in some innovative new programmes a special initiative to engage Cornerstone residents in outreach to support a group of grandmothers in Africa who are raising children orphaned by AIDS a comprehensive set of training opportunities for staff in all programmes
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Parish & Diocesan Services
CORNERSTONE | LE PILIER