Elisa House Shelter: Society of Saint Vincent de Paul​

Elisa House Shelter History:

• Elisa House opened in December of 2001 as a 38 bed combination transitional housing program and emergency shelter for women. We are presently able to accommodate 38 residents.

Our Mandate:

• To provide short and long term accommodations to women aged 18 years of age and older who experience difficulty in attaining and/or maintaining permanent housing;
• To provide a safe environment, nutritious meals and meet the basic needs of women in our residence;
• To assist women in identifying their individual goals and to provide the support and access to the resources required to meet these goals;
• To encourage each woman’s independence, competence, and self-esteem;
• To ensure the women in our care are treated in a fair and consistent manner, and are provided with opportunities to voice their concerns without fear of negative consequences;
• To provide an environment that is free from labels, judgments, oppression, discrimination and violence of any type;
• To ensure that staff support is available on-site on a 24 hour basis.

The Characteristics and Needs of Residents:

• Elisa House provides service to women who have are experiencing emotional issues, as well as addiction, mental health, abuse, immigration and poverty;
• Residents are offered client-centered case planning, supportive counseling, crisis intervention, appropriate referrals, advocacy and life skills training;
• Many of the residents have addiction and mental health issues that have directly influenced their ability to maintain family units, employment and permanent housing.

Staff:
Acting Director – Eyitayo Dada
Program Manager – Marilyn McCulloch
(416) 259-0865

24 Hour staffing includes:
– Full time, part time and relief Re-establishment Counselors
– Community Living facilitator
– Program Manager
– Director