Barrie Transitional Housing Completes Renovations

BARRIE, Ontario, December 18, 2007 — Women and children recovering from abusive and violent relationships in Simcoe County are benefiting from the completion of several renovations to the Samaritan House Community Ministries (SHCM) Transition House.

The federal government has provided $48,000 through Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation’s Shelter Enhancement Program to renovate the house.

“Our government is proud to help provide safe and supportive housing to women and their children who are experiencing family violence,” said MP Patrick Brown, Member of Parliament for Barrie, on behalf of the Honourable Monte Solberg, Minister of Human Resources and Social Development. “This funding is helping Samaritan House give women living in Barrie hope, dignity and a path to a safer, better and stronger future.”

Transition House is a two-unit duplex with a total of five bedrooms. The funding was used to undertake several renovations including new bathrooms, flooring, a new furnace, lighting and more.

“Samaritan House Community Ministries — Simcoe County is extremely grateful for the tremendous support provided by the Government of Canada,” said Astrid Wilcox, SHCM Executive Director. “Transition House opened its doors in 2005 allowing women and children recovering from abuse and violence and who have left a shelter, to acquire long term, affordable, furnished housing with support services for up to one year,” she added.

"The work completed at SHCM’s Transition House gave it a fresh, new look as well as improving the comfort and safety of the house. The new furnace, electrical upgrades, lighting, and flooring greatly improved the quality of the living space. I was delighted with the new bathroom space and the improvements to the kitchen. All of the changes were very well done and very much appreciated,” said Gary Page, SHCM Board Member.

The Shelter Enhancement Program offers financial assistance for the repair, rehabilitation and improvement of existing shelters for women and their children, youth or men who are victims of family violence, as well as for the acquisition or construction of new shelters and second-stage housing where needed.

As Canada’s national housing agency, Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation draws on over 60 years of experience to help Canadians access a variety of quality, environmentally sustainable, and affordable homes — homes that will continue to create vibrant and healthy communities and cities across the country. For more information call 1-800-668-2642.

For further information, please contact:

Carlene Siopis
Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation
416-250-3297

Astrid Wilcox
Samaritan House — Barrie
705-720-7111