A true sense of safety is about more than just physical well-being.
Halton Women’s Place executive director Laurie Hepburn offered that sentiment last week as she officially unveiled enhancements at the Milton shelter – most notably, the addition of private washrooms in each of its 11 rooms.
The upgrade was made possible from a $600,000 grant from the Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation, with the need first presenting itself during the height of the pandemic.
“For two years, we were operating at 50 or 60 per cent capacity… with the shared spaces and risk of transmission. It was a significant barrier,” said Hepburn.
While the individual bathroom facilities address best practices for IPAC (infection prevention and control), they serve a larger purpose for those seeking a safe haven with HWP – the region’s only shelter for women escaping abusive relationships.
“There’s more to it; there was a strong case around client experience. It’s not just about feeling physically safe, but emotionally safe,” said Hepburn. “Many of the women coming here have experienced trauma. They’re coming from really terrible situations. We want this to be the best place where they can heal from that trauma, and with their children as well. And in order to do that we want them to feel emotionally safe as well, and part of that is having their privacy.
“It’s (having private washroom) more conducive to healing.”
Coinciding with other recent enhancements such as door widening for better accessibility and upgraded security measures, the private washroom instalment – Hepburn noted – has been met with a great deal of positive feedback.
“”It feels better and it feels safer.”
Women in need can click here to contact HWP for assistance.
