By Maisha Hasan, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
In our very own community, a new stepping stone has sprouted for young pregnant women who are fleeing violence, experiencing homelessness, or otherwise need refuge. Shifra Homes, a maternity residence and shelter home, added their third home this year, two years after acquiring their second home for young women. This third home has increased Shifra’s capacity to seventeen beds to house more vulnerable women and their babies.
This new home will address the specialized needs and concerns of young pregnant women in the area, as there is a lack of stable housing, limited access to healthcare, and inadequate support systems for these women.
Indeed, Shifra is the only agency of its kind in the Halton/Hamilton area. There are other resource centres for young pregnant women, like the Grace Haven Young Parent and Family Resource Centre in Hamilton, which is run by the Salvation Army, but these do not offer the same level of housing support that Shifra does. Shifra offers young women a home they can count on for the first stage of their babies’ lives.
I had the opportunity to talk to the executive director of Shifra Homes, Nancy Romic, to find out more about the new addition to Shifra Homes, and what it means for the organization.
How does this third home compare to your other two locations?
The third home is the same as the other homes. Every home has beds, cribs, a kitchen, living rooms, bathrooms, a laundry room, and a backyard. They are typical homes in the neighbourhood. From the outside, you would never know that they are maternity shelters.
What types of support services are provided?
The homes are equipped with everything that our young moms and babies require. We offer so many programs and services for the residents. These are some of the programs: psychotherapy, art therapy, prenatal care, post-natal care, lactation support, baby massage, educational support, cooking and baking classes, self-empowerment programs, assistance with legal documentation, legal support, transitioning support, and so much more. We also support the residents’ reintegration back into the community. We provide them with monthly financial support for one year after discharge. This is to assist them with pursuing their educational goals.
What is typically the process for taking in new clients?
When we receive a telephone call or email from a potential new woman or someone referring her to our services, we ask basic questions to make sure that she is suited for our independent living model. The young woman is then asked to come into the home for a formal intake. We then place her on the waiting list for a bed that would become available.
How does the shelter help residents integrate back into the community after their stay?
The young moms typically stay at the shelter until their baby is 6 months old. We begin the process of establishing what mom’s goals are for where she would like to transition to. We then assist her with viewing and securing an apartment for herself and her baby. Once we have secured an apartment and know when her move-out date will be, we ask mom to complete a list of everything that she requires for her new home. We then take those lists and distribute them to a community network of supporters and start to prepare mom for the transition. Our network of supporters furnishes the apartment with furniture and all the necessities that mom and baby need in their new home. We then continue to financially support the mom for one year. Mom still has access to all our services, programs, and support.
What can the wider community do to help Shifra and the young women and babies you support?
Shifra Homes must fundraise 100% of the money required for our operations. We rely on financial donations to operate and support everyone. We also rely on donations of material things that the moms and babies require. We accept donations of baby clothes, diapers, baby wipes, food, toiletries for mom and baby, cleaning supplies, toilet paper, paper towels, laundry detergent, and clothing for our young women. We also rely on volunteers to support the moms and babies.
I think that the most important thing that the community can do is to empathize with these young women. Unfortunately, they come from severe trauma, neglect, abuse, violence, mental health [challenges], and homelessness. They did not choose to live the lives that they have had to live. They have been let down by so many, including their families. A little understanding and kindness go a long way for these women.
If you or anyone you know is facing pregnancy at a young age and experiencing domestic violence, homelessness, or are otherwise in a vulnerable position, please visit the Shifra Homes website for more information.
