For our residents, (re)building a stable life in independent housing is a process comprising a multitude of actions, all of them essential steps along the path to social reintegration. Living in a safe environment and participating in a vast array of workshops, conferences, personal development and physical activities, as well as weekly counselling sessions with a team of multidisciplinary professionals, allows residents to regain control of their lives at their own pace, work toward a stable life in independent housing, and break free from the cycle of homelessness, exclusion and violence.
“I arrived at the YWCA Residence after spending several months with no real home because I had left home to escape family violence. I was exhausted from all the moves. It was wonderful to be in a clean, safe, and comfortable environment. The Residence was a turning point for me. The group activities and common spaces made me feel less alone. I learned to be useful by volunteering for lots of activities. Thanks to a team of wonderful professional counselors, I felt safe enough to become more independent, continue my education, and find my own place. Here, we are not pushed into following a pre-set path. We receive support, are listened to, and we have a say in the decisions concerning our living space. We are encouraged to choose our own lifestyle and use our own means to move forward.”
