home / shelter, housing & support / ywca elm centre / the need

ywca elm centre : the need

green, affordable, supportive

addressing a crisis

There is a pressing housing crisis in Toronto that is leaving many women and their families homeless and vulnerable.

According to Statistics Canada, women account for 56% of Canadians with low incomes. One in five families with children is led by a single woman, and 42% of these families experience housing affordability problems. For some women, this challenge is compounded by mental illness and addiction. The incidence of mental health issues among women is higher than for men, often as a result of family stress, conflicting roles, and experiences of abuse and trauma.

A recent study suggests that one in every four people living on the streets is a woman and many women living in poverty, particularly those with children, are more likely to be ‘invisibly homeless’ – staying with friends or tolerating violence and other abuses to retain a roof over their heads.

A high percentage of women prefer women-only housing.  For older women, women who have experienced various forms of violence, and women from particular religious or cultural groups, the preference for women-only housing increases. YWCA Elm Centre, as a women-only housing complex, will provide a greater opportunity for program focus and the building of a safe and supportive environment – features that increase the effectiveness and stability of community life.

For more information, please contact:
elmcentre [at] ywcatoronto
416-961-8101 Ext. 361

also see:

• the solution
• a word about our partners
• fundraising success to date
• location

YWCA Elm Centre brochure
YWCA Elm Centre operational sustainability
YWCA Elm Centre environmental sustainability
YWCA Elm Centre architectural renderings

in the news :

Toronto Star | july | Housing project gets nod
Globe & Mail | july | City approves women's housing
Toronto Star | july | Housing project expected to raise tempers

more

breakthrough
choices for living
YWCA beatrice house
YWCA arise
YWCA women's shelter
1st stop woodlawn
pape avenue apartments
humewood drive housing
housing for researchers
researchers housing portfolio
new developments - bergamot
ywca elm centre

related

here to help
teen mothers program
women’s housing advocacy group
family support centre
childcare