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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.

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 on how to support YWCA Elm Centre, please contact:
elmcentre [at] ywcatoronto [dot] org
416.961.8101 ext. 361

also see:

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

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

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