FAQ

Question: What are the criteria for staying at the Shelter?

Answer: Women (16 or older) requesting admission to the shelter must be in crisis due to violence and abuse in their intimate relationship. It is the responsibility of the intake worker to determine whether or not a client is in crisis and requires emergency shelter. Women coming to the shelter must be able to live cooperatively and care for herself and her children. It may be necessary for some potential clients to come for an assessment prior to being accepted.

 

Question: Do I have to be physically abused to come to Shelter?

Answer: No. Abuse can take many forms including: physical, emotional, psychological, sexual, spiritual, and financial. Women who experience any type of abuse may stay at the Shelter.

 

Question: Where is the Shelter?

Answer: The location of the Shelter is confidential. When you call the Crisis Line at 1-800-263-3247, you will be given instructions on accessing the Shelter.

 

Question: Can I bring my children to the Shelter?

Answer: Yes. We accept all female children, and we accept male children up to (and including) 15 years of age. Women with male children the age of sixteen years and over will be requested to make alternative arrangements.

 

Question: Will my children go to school while I’m in the Shelter?

Answer: You will work with our Children’s Recreation and Advocacy Worker to continue your children in their present school or enroll them in a local school or daycare centre.

 

Question: Can I bring my pets to the Shelter?

Answer: Unfortunately we cannot accommodate pets in the Shelter. We will try to assist you by suggesting alternatives such as the Ontario Veterinary Medical Association OVMA’s SafePet Program, which is dedicated to assisting women in leaving abusive partners by providing temporary housing and care for their pets.  http://www.ovma.org/pet_owners/safepet.html

 

Question: What should I bring to the Shelter?

Answer: If you can, you should bring your identification and your children’s identification such as: birth certificates, passports, immigration papers, health care information, documentation about your housing, proof of residence/cohabitation, lease/rental agreement, house deed, mortgage papers,  divorce papers, custody documentation, court orders, restraining orders, marriage certificate, medication/prescription, bank card and bank information, and your address book (e-mail, website, doctors, friends, etc.).

 

Question: Do you have extra clothing for me and my children?

Answer: We have some emergency clothing and toiletries at the Shelter and you can also go to a local clothing program to choose some clothes free of charge.

 

Question: What does it cost for me to stay at the Shelter?

Answer: There is no cost to stay at the Shelter. We are funded by the Ministry of Community and Social Services and through the generous support of donations to YBH.

  

Question: Will people know that I’m in the Shelter?

Answer: Confidentiality and safety are our highest priorities. We do not disclose the identities of those residing in Shelter.