A Markham shelter will be able to provide refuge to more women and children fleeing domestic violence.
The Yellow Brick House is receiving $1.2 million from the federal government’s National Housing Co-Investment Fund (NHCF) to add nine beds and three cribs to the existing 16-bed shelter and to undertake repairs.
“This expansion will allow for more women and their children fleeing violent homes to escape the devastating consequences of violence and have a safe space to rebuild their lives,” says Yellow Brick House CEO Lorris Herenda. “Additionally, it will allow our shelter to achieve 25 per cent energy efficiency and provide two new accessible units for families with disability.”
The NHCF, a program under the National Housing Strategy, prioritizes projects that help people who need it most, including women and children fleeing family violence, seniors, Indigenous peoples, people living with disabilities, those with mental health or addiction issues, veterans and young adults, the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation reports.
“Our government is dedicated to helping those in need, which is why we are proud to have invested in the Yellow Brick House project, offering women and children in crisis a refuge where they can feel safe and supported here in Markham,” says Paul Chiang, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Housing and Diversity and Inclusion (Diversity and Inclusion) and MP for Markham-Unionville.
“This project will provide them with all the tools and assistance much needed to get back on their feet.” Construction and repairs of the building are expected to be completed by the spring.
