Black-Owned & Operated Women’s Shelter Now Open in Peel Region

TORONTO – According to Statistics Canada, four in 10 Canadian women experience some form of domestic violence in their lifetime. The rates of domestic violence experienced by women of colour, queer women, and other marginalized groups are even higher. That’s why a new shelter in Peel Region is looking to provide wrap-around support for people fleeing domestic violence. 

Women and Children’s Precious Shelter is a new Black-owned and operated shelter in Brampton that provides additional services outside of the food and shelter offered at traditional women’s shelters. The team at WCPS is made up of professionals from different backgrounds including nurse practitioners and lawyers. Their team provides services like medical assistance, legal support, counseling, and transitional programs that allow survivors of domestic violence to rebuild their lives. 

“It’s important that we provide these services to help women avoid returning to domestic violence situations,” said Tamara Whilby, director of WCPS. 

“We have four families on the waiting list to join but are already supporting four families and can only take in four at a time! The phone rings every 20-40 min with someone [who is] fleeing abuse and needs a safe place to come,” Whilby added.

WCPS has struggled to get government funding and support from the region in order to provide these services, and the majority of the funds used to open the facility have been received through fundraising or donations from the founders’ personal finances. 

Women and Children’s Precious Shelter is calling for donations of both money and supplies! Restaurants and eateries are also able to donate prepared food and hot meals if possible.

Monetary donations can be made through their website.

The shelter opened its doors on July 15th, and all services are open to women and children from any community who are experiencing domestic violence and abuse. Those in need of their services are urged to reach out at 437-855-3301.