Though provincial emergency shelter Anderson House is a safe space for women, trans and non-binary individuals and their children, it isn’t a long-term option. “There is a high level of support and there are different pieces to keep those who need us feeling like they can change their lives. We offer a supportive program where people can identify their barriers to living independently,” she said. “We want people to be free from abuse long- term, and whether it’s school or access to things to help them feel better or live better, we offer a place for healing.” O’Malley says the housing crisis in PEI and Charlottetown makes it incredibly difficult for everyone to find housing, especially those she helps through the non-profit. “Pre-pandemic, there was a zero per cent vacancy rate. The pandemic gave some breathing room, and short- term rentals became affordable at a monthly rate. People were leaving the shelter in short order to find housing. We hadn’t seen that since 2014,” she said. “Now with post-secondary and tourists coming back, things have gone back to how they were. There are developments, and UPEI is building a new residence, but that won’t be open until closer to 2023. There are housing issues with no short solutions.” O’Malley says issues with housing are made more difficult for those who are facing barriers in their lives. “Whether it’s having a dog or mobility issues, these things can make it difficult. A big one also is wanting to live in a certain school zone. There’s nothing more tragic than a child who has broken free from violence, and has to lose their friends and change school zones for a place to live,” she said. The Second Stage Housing apartments are geared-to-income or rent ceilings set by the Department of Community Services and Canada Mortgage and Housing.
“CMHC does not own our buildings, but we do have a funding subsidy, If we make a small profit, they take it. But if there’s a loss, they cover it. We are a net-zero operation, and it’s terrific,” she said. “If we need a new furnace, there is funding. If there’s damage that needs to be fixed, it’s no problem. It allows us to keep the places in good repair and do geared-to-income rent.” The rent itself is 25 per cent of gross income for those living there, which helps the communities O’Malley’s operation serves greatly. “These are affordable, and for those we serve it’s unbelievable. It allows people to not go into poverty due to their rent. This only happens because we’re subsidized,” she said. “Our provincial partner, Social Development and Housing, oversees housing, financial assistance, and child protection. The supports we give happen because they’re involved, and we work with them in every way.” She says the department works to remove barriers to leaving violence, and PEI FVPS works in a supportive capacity. “Things like homelessness and access to work affect people’s ability to leave violent situations. In some areas of Canada the organizations serving the homeless and those fleeing domestic violence can be in competition for the same resources,” she said. “On PEI, acknowledge how connected these issues can be.” There are always ways to help create a better system and O’Malley is committed to helping those in need. “We do everything we can to be a support, and housing is a huge part of that. We just want to make sure those fleeing domestic violence know that there is somewhere they can go,” she said.
“In a year, our outreach programs help 300-to-400 people. In our shelters, we help 70-to-80 people a year.”
- Danya O’Malley
became the Operations Manager,” she said.
They have both transitional short- term and more, permanent housing. Included in that is Second Stage Housing, meant to give women an opportunity to plan for their future, with residency up to a year. The rent is also geared-to-income, and there are apartments available in O’Leary, Summerside, Charlottetown, and Montague. “Second Stage is what you’d typically call transitional housing, and it’s for women fleeing domestic violence. It’s an important step between an emergency shelter and living independently,” she said. “In emergency shelters, people are supported and protected from harmful situations. Second Stage allows people to gain some intermediary time. They have their own place, but additional security and support.”
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