Advocacy group says new men-only warming centres in Waterloo region 'not an acceptable solution'
Region says it's working to meet needs of all people who need a warm place to stay
As Waterloo region remains under an extreme cold warning, local advocates are calling on the Region of Waterloo to address gender stipulations on newly announced warming centres.
In the last week, the region announced the opening of two new overnight warming centres in Kitchener and Cambridge.
The one in Kitchener, located at 298 Lawrence Ave., opened on Friday in partnership with Thresholds Homes and Supports. The centre's website indicates the space can support "up to 20 male-identifying individuals (18+) who need to warm up from the cold weather."
Local advocacy group FightBack! KW say having the centre be only for men is a harmful and discriminatory response to the ongoing crisis of gender-based violence in the shelter system
"Discrimination against women and trans individuals is not an acceptable solution," the group said in a release.
"These groups have the right to equal access to life-saving services, including overnight warming spaces. By excluding them from this critical resource, the Region is further marginalizing them and placing them in harm's way."
When speaking to CBC News, Thresholds CEO Eric Philip explained that despite the space primarily being for men, they won't turn anyone away based on gender.
"We do have the ability to refer clients to other locations," Philip said. "For example, if the person who identifies as female comes into the building, we do have the ability to provide them transportation opportunities to go to another shelter if they so choose."
He adds that if they would prefer to stay at Thresholds' warming centre, they're welcome to do so.
An overnight warming centre in Cambridge was announced earlier this week but details are limited about when it will open.
The region partnered with Porchlight Counselling and Addiction Services to secure the space at the Wesley United Church, located at 6 Cambridge St.
The centre is also aimed to help men experiencing homelessness stay warm overnight. Though Porchlight executive director Cameron Dearlove says they will also be working with community partners to ensure women have a place to go. That could include going to The Bridges run by the Cambridge Shelter Corp. as well as the YWCA of Cambridge.
Region's response
The Region of Waterloo declined an interview request but in a statement, says it is working to meet the needs of all people who need a warm place to stay.
"In Kitchener we have gender specific options, including the recent additions of the overnight warming centre on Lawrence Avenue for men and the overnight shelter at 84 Frederick Street for women," said the region in an emailed statement to CBC.
"In Cambridge, our goal is to do the same by opening a new women's shelter operated by the YWCA of Cambridge and a men's overnight warming centre operated by Porchlight Counselling simultaneously."
Urgent call to action
While FightBack! KW members are aware of the Frederick Street women's shelter, they say it's not a sufficient alternative.
The group says the space only has 37 beds which equates to less than two per cent of the region's homeless population.
"The shelter is often at capacity, and women and trans individuals report they have to alternate between shelter nights and sleeping on the streets, with no guarantee of safety or warmth," reads the group's release.
They are calling on the region to:
- Urgently increase the number of emergency shelter spaces.
- Ensure equal access for all individuals.
- Develop a comprehensive, co-ordinated plan to address homelessness throughout the winter months and beyond.
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