St. Thomas-Elgin Second Stage Housing offers longer-term housing and support services to women, with or without children, who are leaving abusive relationships.
Women entering our program have identified a need for ongoing support and safety, are committed to living in a violence-free environment and, are dedicated to working toward ending the violence in their lives. One of our twelve modestly furnished apartments is rented to the women for periods of eight months to a year. Support is offered through group and individual counseling on-site, through referrals and through advocacy. Programs for women and children are intended to assist them to understand the impacts of abuse, to do safety planning, to build social networks, to assist in assessing personal options and to develop skills for setting and reaching goals in their futures. Follow-up support is offered to women after leaving the program.
Q. What is Second Stage Housing?
A. Second Stage Housing was developed to meet the needs of women and children who have survived abuse. The 12 unit apartment complex offers a suportive environment for women, with or without children, who are leaving, or have recently left, an abusive relationship. The length of stay depends on the needs of the woman, but could be up to eight months with possible extensions.
The program offers individual units with 1, 2, or 3 bedrooms. Each unit is furnished with a stove, refrigerator, dinette set, sofa, chair, coffee and end tables, beds and dressers. Many services are available on site, while assistance in accessing community resources is also available. The apartments are rented at modest rates.
Q. Who can apply to live in Second Stage Housing?
A. The program is designed for women who have survived abuse. This includes physical, sexual, emotional and/or verbal abuse.
After the initial crisis period which often follows the decision to leave, a woman and her children may still require support and assistance to work towards living independently.
Any woman may apply who has identified a need for ongoing support and counselling for herself and her children.
In order to qualify for the program, women must be committed to living in a violence-free, cooperative environment. Women must also agree to participate in the program.
Q. How do you apply for Second Stage Housing?
A. Inquiries directly from women interested in making application to the program are welcomed.
You may contact Second Stage Housing Monday through Friday between 9:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Delivery of a referral form will be arranged on request. After a completed referral form is received an interview will be arranged with you.
Most often women will move into Second Stage Housing after spending up to 6 weeks in a crisis shelter. Referral forms will be available through the shelter.
Referrals from other community agencies will also be accepted. Ask your worker to assist you in getting an application.
Q. What kind of programs are offered to women of Second Stage Housing?
A. individual counselling, advocacy, group counselling, support, advocacy, referrals, safety planning, recreation, goal setting, education, networking, parental support
Q. What type of programs are offered to children of Second Stage Housing?
A. advocacy, referrals, recreational and social development groups, individual counselling, safety planning, liason with schools