SUMMERSIDE, P.E.I. — A group of women from Summerside is hoping to establish a shelter in the city for women and their children to meet a need in the community.
Margie Fowler, Susan DesRoche and Kathleen Terry are passionate about starting the shelter, which they're calling LifeHouse, after an incident last winter and personal experiences left lasting impressions.
In February 2019, Terry and Fowler helped a woman get to Blooming House in Charlottetown after they took her in off the street.
"It's something imprinted on my mind," said Fowler.
Because individuals have to be driven out of the community to access shelter services, the trio is hoping to establish something that offers 24/7 services, including short-term emergency care and long-term supports.
DesRoche said LifeHouse will provide wrap-around services like facilitating child care and advocacy for clients, as well as supporting individuals through appointments in various fields.
The time frame of those services will be determined on a case-to-case basis, although Fowler said the group isn't looking to duplicate services already provided by other organizations.
The biggest hurdle the three group members are facing is finding a building for the shelter, with most funding programs requiring a location before applying. From there, they can continue funding efforts.
"It will provide people with a sense of security knowing there is a safe place to go in a time of need that will help get through difficult situations. People will often stay in unsafe situations longer then they want to if the help is not easily accessible. I think it would be a huge benefit."
CITY LOOKS TO HELP
Summerside Coun. Cory Snow has been working closely with the women to provide support and feedback from the city. Snow said he has arranged meetings with the group, city representatives, management, police services and Mayor Basil Stewart.
"They presented to the city their idea and why they decided to work towards a shelter. They had some asks from the city. They are looking for some startup money and a possible city-owned building."
Currently, the city is looking at how it can help.
"Through our community grant program, we may provide financial assistance. We are looking at city-owned buildings and making sure we support them as they work with other levels of government to get them the support they need
"We have sent a letter of support to the province asking for them to support this group. This definitely falls more under the provincial mandate, but as a city, we need to support these groups that are looking to improve services to our residents in need. The province had a provincial report published. and it is identified as a need in the Summerside area."
That report, which included a needs assessment of emergency shelters on P.E.I., was released in 2019. It indicated transportation was an issue for people living in Summerside who were trying to access shelter services in Charlottetown.
There are three women's shelters on P.E.I.: Anderson House, Blooming House and the Chief Mary Bernard Memorial Shelter.
Snow said a shelter is needed Summerside.
"It will provide people with a sense of security knowing there is a safe place to go in a time of need that will help get through difficult situations. People will often stay in unsafe situations longer then they want to if the help is not easily accessible. I think it would be a huge benefit."
Snow hopes the community gets behind and supports the initiative.
To contact the organizers of LifeHouse, email [email protected].
