For decades, Orillia’s Green Haven Shelter for Women has tried to keep its location under wraps, but the new facility that is under construction is no secret.
The two-storey building at 570 Sundial Dr. is hard to miss, and executive director Liz Westcott said the timing seems right to make it, and the issues faced by those it supports, a public affair.
“With the #MeToo and #TimesUp movement, I think we’re seeing a desire in the community to say, ‘This isn’t a secret anymore. It’s time to step up,’” Westcott said.
When the new shelter opens in January, it will have room for 14 women and children in residence. That’s nine bedrooms, compared to the five at the current location.
“There’s not a dramatic increase in our capacity because we’re not getting any more operating funding than we currently are,” she said.
A government grant provided $6.23 million for construction, but Green Haven is on the hook for all operational funding as well as any potential construction cost overruns. That’s where the community comes in, and it has been generous so far with donations.
“They’re outstanding. This is an amazing community,” Westcott said, but added the organization is “a little shy on the fundraising at this point.”
The shelter needs many items, including a deep freeze and other appliances, furniture, playground equipment and a security system — none of which are covered by the government grant. Donations can help ensure all of that is in place.
Those interested in donating can contact Westcott at [email protected] or 705-327-7383, ext. 223.
“I’m really confident that we’ll meet our deadlines. The basics will be here, and we won’t bring women in if we can’t keep them absolutely safe,” she said.
Safety and confidentiality are the top priorities. There will be separate entrances for women and children who are staying at the shelter and for those who are coming in to access its services.
There’s also a film being put on the windows that can resist the force of bullets and other weapons.
While the new space won’t allow Green Haven to house many more women than it did at the current location, it will allow it to accommodate those with mobility issues. It is an accessible facility and includes an elevator.
The current facility is “totally, completely inaccessible,” Westcott said, noting Green Haven has occasionally had to refer people to other places as a result.
While Green Haven is still offering its outreach and other services, including its 24/7 crisis line and transitional support, its bedrooms are empty. It has suspended its residential program until the new shelter opens.
“It’s not fair for women to come in looking for services and for us to be focusing on packing,” Westcott said.
For the time being, Green Haven will help those in need find a safe place to stay.
“For women who are at imminent risk, we will move mountains to ensure they’re safe,” she said.
Now that no women are staying at the current location, Westcott was happy to share its location: 246 Mississaga St. W. That property is now on the market, and proceeds from its sale will help with the costs associated with the new facility.
A public drop-in at the new shelter will take place Dec. 13 from 4:30 to 7 p.m.
Green Haven’s annual fundraising gala is set for March 6 at the Best Western Plus Mariposa Inn and Conference Centre. Tickets cost $100, and Westcott is accepting reservations by phone or email. She is also looking for sponsors for the event.
The United Nations declared Nov. 25 the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, Westcott noted, pointing out 780 women in Ontario had been murdered by a partner since 1990 — and that only accounts for the cases they’ve been made aware of. Between November 2018 and November 2019, 32 women and three children were added to that list.
“We need to work together as a community. This is everyone’s issue,” Westcott said.
She thanked the City of Orillia, the community, and the crews working on the new facility, including architect Robyn Whitwham, of Stantec.
"To have this designed by women, for women, is great," she said.
