Support this year’s Keep a Roof Campaign and make a difference in the lives of women & youth living in St. Thomas & Elgin County.

Here’s how you can participate:

This is the story of one of our residents:

Hello my name is Sonya*. I arrived at the YWCA Women’s residence after leaving home just over a year ago. I was raised in a controlling family that was immersed in a controlling cult. I was very isolated from the outside world. I could rarely leave the house and was not even allowed to attend school. I used books and music to escape the reality of living in an abusive home.

When I was nine years old, my sister and only sibling ran away from home. It had been years since I had any contact with her, but eventually we got in touch and she encouraged me to leave home. One day, I decided I had to leave home for good. Eventually, I ended up at the YWCA.

When I arrived at the YW, I had to learn to cope with the depression and anxiety I was experiencing while adjusting to the outside world and trying to figure out what I wanted to do with my life.

Because of the YWCA, I was able to get my feet on the ground. I started volunteering and taking music lessons. A couple of weeks ago I played in an hour long recital where I was the only performer! I’ve decided to continue studying music and have applied to Western and hope to take my Bachelor of Arts in Music. Without the YW Women’s Residence and its positive influence in my life, I wouldn’t have had the safe place I needed to get my life on track: I don’t want to think of where I might have ended up. Now I’m planning a life where I’m able to fulfill my dreams.

Update: Sonya has been accepted into Brescia and will be starting in the Fall!

*Name changed to protect privacy.

Your donation will go directly into our supportive housing program.

Our housing programs are called “supportive housing” because we provide more than a roof over the heads of women and youth. Our residents are linked to a network of services including those that give them the opportunity to develop a variety of life skills. We help them develop life skills, set goals, increase their employability, and become better able to contribute to their community and broader society.

To learn more about our supportive housing program and our 3 residences, please CLICK HERE