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YWCA beatrice house

west central Toronto

who are we?

YWCA Beatrice House is an early childhood development centre in a transitional residence centre where women and their children who are homeless or at risk of being homeless may stay for up to two years. It provides a unique opportunity for women-led families to plan for their future while their young children are learning in an excellent early childhood development program. Beatrice House is located in a safe, secure site in a residential neighbourhood close to public transit.

Beatrice House was started in 1999 by a group of concerned community members, with inspiration for an integrated residential and early childhood development program from Dr. Fraser Mustard, a well-known expert in the field. YWCA Toronto has managed Beatrice House since November 2003 and is now the sole operator of Beatrice House.

Beatrice House is a living and learning place for women with children to dream, set goals, plan and achieve.

who comes to Beatrice House?

Women who are homeless or at-risk of being homeless, over age 18 with one or more children under the age of 6, not in immediate crisis and committed to participating in the Beatrice House program. An intake interview will determine eligibility for the program.

what we offer:

Residential Program

• Space for 27 mother-led families for up to two years
• Each family has a private, furnished, air-conditioned room with bathroom
• Kitchenette and lounge on each floor; coin laundry facilities in lower level
• Nutritious meals served in central dining room; women may cook their own meals
• Planning for employment, school and life goals assisted by specialized staff that includes an employment counsellor, life skills community worker, outreach and housing worker, and child & parenting specialist.
• Onsite programs include parenting workshops, life skills, employment readiness and recreational programs for mothers and children, of all ages
• Follow up support, advocacy, information and referral to community services for up to 18 months after leaving Beatrice House
• Assistance with finding permanent housing and other community resources

Early Childhood Development Program

• A warm and nurturing learning environment for children ages two months to five years
• A stimulating play-based program offers children opportunities to explore, discover and create
• Space for 44 children from infants to preschoolers
• Open 7:30 am to 6:00 pm for mothers who are working or in school full-time; available to mothers in the in-house program from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm
• Mothers have an opportunity to learn about their child’s stage of development through participation in the early childhood development program
• Playground on-site
• Assistance with walking children to local school for kindergarten
• Referrals to special services for children where needed
• Qualified early childhood development staff
• Licensed & approved by the Ministry of Children and Youth Services
• Funded by the City of Toronto, Shelter, Support & Housing Administration, and the City of Toronto, Children's Services Division

pdf download:
YWCA Beatrice House information
YWCA Beatrice House Research Report: Executive Summary

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