A London-based organization has announced a new way to care for unhoused women during the colder season at its Dundas Street location on Tuesday.
My Sisters’ Place, a centre that provides care and services to vulnerable women in the community, held an event called “Ultimate Girls’ Night Out” that fundraised for their newly launched women’s overnight resting space.
“There’s a sense of urgency because it’s getting cooler at night, it’s getting darker earlier, and we know it’s dangerous for women in particular,” said Jennifer Martin, Event Coordinator and Donor Stewardship at My Sisters’ Place.
(Overnight resting spaces, Naomi Ljunggren)
The money raised is going toward giving unhoused women a warm place to go between the hours of 10p.m. to 8a.m., a stark contrast to its typical hours of closing at 9:30 p.m.
“We have the space on our third floor for the resting spaces, it’s the funding we don’t have.”
They are seeking funds not only for the winter but also year-round, and Martin says this is with the knowledge that “safety is important 365 nights a year.”
Between 100-150 women go to My Sisters’ Place everyday for services such as mailing and identification, mental health supports, food, and clean laundry. The resting space is becoming another benefit of what they have to offer to those in need.
“We’re gonna have a nice cozy chair for you upstairs with a blanket and a pillow, you can close your eyes and rest,” said Martin.
“We know that when you’re exhausted everything in your life just feels that much more difficult and we know that a good night’s sleep is really important.”
Many clients note the importance of the new space, with Tanya Burke saying it’s a big deal because “a lot of people don’t make it through the winter when they’re homeless” and “they need a warm place to sleep.”
(Medical space at My Sisters’ Place, Naomi Ljunggren)
Burke has been going to My Sisters’ Place for over 15 years and feels they have saved her life through various ways of support, including when she used resting spaces that were available several years back.
“They’re doing a great thing opening [the spaces] back up and I’m really happy that they’re doing it.”
Donations are strongly encouraged by staff to help keep the organization afloat and continue to provide resources to those that are seeking them.
“There is such a huge need in our community to support the women that we serve at My Sisters’ Place,” said Pam Tobin, CEO of Canadian Mental Health Association Thames Valley.
“I am struck by the passion and the compassion of the work and the team here to make sure they are providing the best care and services.”
More information about donating and how to get involved can be found here.
