New home in London caters to older women facing homelessness

A local woman's legacy of generosity is inspiring the launch of a new home for older women facing homelessness in London.

The transitional home for women over 50 years old is just weeks from having its first residents move in. Located in London's Woodfield neighbourhood, it has five bedrooms for women experiencing homelessness to stay for up to two years.

"This is a true need, and we wanted to fill that need as well as we could," said Mona Wuytenburg, director at Karen's Place. 

"We've got a roof over their heads. We've got food for them every day. And it gives them a chance to take a deep breath."

Today, with the rising cost of living, more seniors continue to be pushed into poverty and face an increased risk of homelessness. In the London area, women were turned away from shelter more than 2,000 times due to lack of beds in 2022.

'It's just a great way to honour her'

Karen's Place was dreamt up by a group of friends and family to honour the life of Karen Crich, who died nearly two years ago at the age of 52. Crich, a local housing developer, is remembered as a force of generosity.

"We shared a common love of a a great person," said Wuytenburg. "Karen just naturally gave. Whether it was her time, her resources, or just her attention."

The project enables them to take care of women Crich's age while giving back to the city and helping those who need it most, she said. 

"Being able to make a difference in their lives takes away some of the pain of losing Karen. We can't bring Karen back, but we can offer these people a better life. It's just a great way to honour her."

About nine people are on the steering committee, she said, including Crich's brother, Jamie Crich, president of Auburn Developments, where the siblings worked together. 

"Without Jamie's generosity, his belief in giving back, and making this community even better again, we wouldn't have the project," Wuytenburg said. 

The house was purchased privately for the project, and the group is working to pull in donations and write grant proposals to grow support. They've teamed up with the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) Thames Valley Addiction and Mental Health Services to offer supports and expertise and identify the women who should live there. 

Few supports for older women

John Brown and his wife Ann were family friends with Karen Crich and saw a great need to focus on older women. 

"There's lots of money for youth. There's lots of money for single parents. There's lots of money for men, but women over 50 [years of age] are the forgotten," he said. 

The Browns learned more about the struggles older women were facing from his minister at Kilworth United Church, Rev. Catherine Tovell, who explored the topic in her doctoral thesis. Many women without housing aren't necessarily on the street, but going from house-to-house to survive, he said. 

There are three basic tenants of Karen's Place: to provide home security, food security and hope, Brown said.  

Working to put every detail in place

While the move-in date is still uncertain, Wuytenburg said they are weeks away from opening. 

The team has been busy ensuring every detail is in place in the meantime — from colour-coordinated towels (so everyone gets their own) to fuzzy slippers to hospital bags in case of an emergency. 

Wuytenburg said she can feel Crich with her along the way. 

"With every idea, with every thought, with every decision, Karen is right on my shoulder," she said.

"We're trying to make it a project that Karen would be proud of and one that she would be a part of if she were here."