Safe Transitions, a not-for-profit organization founded to support overrun shelters housing survivors of domestic abuse, human trafficking and homelessness, launched today in Toronto. Founded in response to the dramatic increase in domestic abuse cases as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, Safe Transitions acts as an intermediary organization connecting overrun shelters with property managers and developers, to provide temporary and affordable housing to those individuals ready to begin the transition back into society.
“While most of us are safe at home during the COVID-19 pandemic, there are women and children whose homes are the furthest place from safe,” states Joanna MacDonald, Founder of Safe Transitions. “Our goal to provide additional support for these overrun shelters will help to offset the increased demand and, in turn, help save lives.”
According to the York Regional Police, some incidents have been on the rise since COVID-19, including domestic incidents, which grew by 22 percent. In the last 30 days, a police spokesperson said that their offices have responded to nearly 700 domestic incidents.
Safe Transitions’ pilot program is already underway, with a partnership between Toronto Boutique Apartments and Covenant House Toronto. Safe Transitions is currently assisting shelters located within Toronto and the GTA.
“During COVID-19, youth experiencing homelessness and survivors of sex trafficking need a safe place to call home now more than ever,” says Mark Aston, Executive Director of Covenant House Toronto. “Thank you to Safe Transitions for launching this important initiative, making critical housing spaces available to youth in need. To end youth homelessness, corporations and governments can both play a role in creating a long-term solution: providing adequate affordable housing options with a full range of wraparound support services. We thank Safe Transitions for leading by example.”
“Now more than ever, we need to come together to support the most vulnerable, whose lives are at high risk. Safe Transitions is our way of giving back to the community and we look forward to continuing this effort in a post-pandemic world.” continues MacDonald.
Founded by Joanna MacDonald, who is also the founder of Piper & Skye, Safe Transitions is made up of a group of highly qualified experts including business development expert Dinah Deif, founder of Canadian Arts and Fashion Awards Vicky Milner, legal expert Ashlee Froese and Dani Matte, founder of The NBP Group.
About Safe Transitions
Safe Transitions was established out of the urgent need for relief on the overrun shelters. The non-profit exists to help women and children in need of escaping toxic and violent environments. While shelters are inundated with an increased requirement for safe housing, Safe Transitions acts as an intermediary organization connecting shelters with property managers to provide temporary and affordable homes for individuals ready to begin the transition back into a new beginning and a new life. For more info: www.safetransitions.co
About Covenant House
For nearly forty years, Covenant House Toronto has maintained a steadfast dedication to its mission: supporting the vulnerable youth who come through their doors. Covenant House helps youth ignite their potential and reclaim their lives. As Canada’s largest agency serving youth who are homeless, trafficked or at risk, they offer the widest range of 24-7 services to about 300 young people each day. Since 1982, Covenant House has supported more than 95,000 young people. For more information about Covenant House Toronto: covenanthousetoronto.ca.
Can you help me? Ideas?
I am 64 years old. Living in a shelter. Threatened eviction on Friday.
Overwhelmed with crisis. Need transitional help now.
Have a ABI son in a group home who needs me stabilzed
so that I can support and advocate for him.
So sorry to hear about your challenges. We would love to help but it would be best for you to reach out to the programs listed in the article or others like it. Unfortunately, we do not have any more information on them aside from what is provided in the piece. And they are much better equipped to be of help. We wish you all the best moving through such a difficult time.