Welcome Centre Shelter Needs Help To Expand Kids Program By Creating New Space 

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The Welcome Centre Shelter for Women & Families is looking to the community to help them raise $10,000 to support the purchase and renovation of a portable classroom that will allow space for kids in shelter to play, access supports, and get out of their small shelter rooms.

According to the Welcome Centre, 2019  data shows the population of children accompanying their caregivers into emergency shelter has increased by nearly 100% since 2016, with 2019 ending at 403 kids from newborn through age 15 accessing shelter.

The shelter says that space is at a premium for all programs, but the specific lack of space and programs targeting kids has been difficult for the agency to witness.

“There is a lot of research confirming what we see everyday- that accessing and residing in shelter has a lot of negative longer-term impacts for kids. We’ve been addressing that with some weekend pop-up kid space, but this is a great next step in terms of creating something more stable and permanent”, said Lady Laforet, Executive Director of the Centre.

The Centre is calling the program space “Patsy’s Place” in memory of Patricia Noonan, a long-time community activist, feminist, and supporter of the Welcome Centre, who passed away in August of 2018.

The Campaign is aiming to gather community support to be placed alongside a grant they awaiting response on, and $15,000 set aside from the Estate of Patricia Noonan.

Donations can be made online at www.welcomecentreshelter.com, online through www.canadahelps.org, via cash or cheque to Welcome Centre Shelter, 263 Bridge Avenue, Windsor ON, N9B2M1.

The are hoping for wide community support in quick one month blitz campaign.