The Government of Canada is contributing nearly $3.4 million to the existing emergency shelter at the Perth County Transition Home for Women.
The Optimism Place Women’s Shelter and Support Services project aims to add 15 beds to the existing 13-bed shelter for women and children fleeing domestic violence.
Additionally, the City of Stratford is contributing just over $82,000, Marklevitz Architects Inc. is providing an in-kind contribution of over $94,000, and Perth County Transition Home for Women is contributing $500,000 to the project. The shelter owned and operated by Perth County Transition Home for Women serves over 120 women and children annually.
Completion of the project is estimated by August 2023.
“Everyone deserves a safe place to call their own. Our government will continue our efforts to give Canadians the stability and safety they need across the country, including here in Stratford. These investments are helping community members heal, which benefits everyone. This is the National Housing Strategy at work,” said Ahmed Hussen, Minister of Housing and Diversity and Inclusion.
“Optimism Place is a key partner in our continued work to end homelessness. Responding to domestic violence and homelessness is a shared community responsibility. The City of Stratford fully supports and appreciates Optimism Place’s shelter expansion project and sees this as an opportunity to meet the growing needs that exist in our community,” said Dan Mathieson, Mayor, City of Stratford.
“Our team is proud to be part of this project. We have had a successful working relationship with Optimism Place over the past few years and look forward to seeing construction begin this fall. This expansion will provide much needed suites to support women and their families in their time of need,” said Michelle Lester, General Manager of Marklevitz Architects Inc.
“We envision a day where every Perth County woman and her children seeking safety will be able to receive the residential and community-based supports they need to heal from their trauma and build a future of hope and optimism. The funding partnership of CMHC in creating 15 additional beds at Optimism Place is a tremendous step towards this vision and signals a great opportunity to end violence against women in Perth County,” added Jasmine Clark, Executive Director of Perth County Transition Home for Women.
