Families Find Security at Women's Habitat in Etobicoke: Since 1978, Women's Habitat Etobicoke (WHE) has been offering shelter, outreach and resources to families in crisis. The shelter accommodates 25 people and operates around the clock, every day of the week. While the pandemic has changed the way staff connect with clients and how some services are delivered, Women's Habitat has expanded its outreach, feeding nearly 1700 people from March to November, 2020. Manager Lina Almanzan told us more about how WHE is accomplishing these incredible results.
Women facing family violence are often afraid and feel they have no where to go to protect themselves and their children.
WHE recognized the need to provide women-led families escaping violence with safe places to shelter and learn skills to support a fresh start over 40 years ago. Their mission, "to provide a safe refuge, counseling, support and advocacy to women and their children who are fleeing violence" is built on core values that include equality, accountability, transparency and respect.
Lina Almanzan started her career in 1995 in the information technology field. With over 15 years’ experience as project manager, she now leads the Philanthropy and Engagement team for Women’s Habitat’s and also has responsibility for their IT needs. Fluent in Spanish, she is proud to support the Spanish-speaking community.
Everyone wants domestic and family violence to end, but it doesn't. WHE recognized this and opened their Outreach Centre in 2006. Their sites offer trauma-informed services including individual and group counselling, parenting support, referral to housing programs, girls and youth recreational and leadership programs. WHE works with women and children to address the impact of trauma and poverty on their lives. A multitude of programs assist with safety planning, self-esteem and skills building to support, capacity and empowerment.
Currently, a major focus is on assisting women to transition out of the shelter into housing and jobs, and supporting boys, youth and men to examine concepts of healthy masculinity through their Reel Men program.
Learn more about WHE from their annual report and website.