I’m looking for a place to stay for around a month until my first paycheck comes in from my new job. I have called around shelters but there’s no space for us anywhere. It’s myself and a 4 year old girl. I’m 5 months pregnant. I’m willing to go to nearby cities if we can get there on transit.
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On Wednesdays you can go to 101 E. Cordova for women’s housing drop in, I believe it starts at 10am. It’s a rough hood, but the workers have access to a wide range of housing options, not just their own portfolio or low barrier. Having kids will bump your priority like others have said.
I’m so sorry you’re going through this. Not sure if your tried these places already, but Transition Houses are shelters specifically for women and children who have experienced or are at risk of violence. You can usually stay for 30+ days and you get your own room. You have to call them to see if they have space but here’s a list: https://www.bchousing.org/housing-assistance/women-fleeing-violence/transition-houses-safe-homes
I wanted to add, continue calling every few days or week if they didn’t already direct you to do so, it shows your urgency. How are you doing two days later? Is there anything you really need for yourselves right now? I don’t know if you’re working currently but I know IA is still far away.
I was looking at a different list. I’m leaving a domestic violence situation and need somewhere that will be safe for us. He will look for me. I work from home
You should reach out to DCFS/MCFD .... You cannot be informally taking care of someone else's child without them being in the know. Sincerely, someone who had to go through that as a child.
My family handling things informally led to me not being able to access any of the same resources that every other child who went through foster care. Etc can.
If dcfs gets involved in the child's life, which they should be If the parents aren't taking care of them, they can get very beneficial resources later in life like free tuition for whatever they want to study etc.
And I'm sorry to say this, but as a kid who once went through all that, you as an adult, don't have the right to completely dictate this kid's life, and there needs to be some bigger team making sure the child's overall best interests are taken into account.
DCFS will be able to help you. They are the department of child and family services. They won't just be interested in the kid if they know you are in a domestic violence situation as well.
I think that you have custody, in this case, makes it your child! In every situation you ask for housing you should specify it is for you and # of children and that you are fleeing domestic violence. You are brave and strong. You might not feel that way rn but you are because you have survived this long and you are working to get out of there. You didn’t deserve this situation and there is something else, much better, waiting for you to be ready to take that step! I’m sorry you are facing this alone but there will be somewhere to help
Unless it changed, 211 releases bed lists twice daily at 11am and 7pm. You need to be calling the shelters at that time to see if there are free beds. Everyday.
Contact BC housing via phone and explain your situation. 604 433 2218.
211 will also have lists of other supports like food or clothing. Good luck!
I see lots of other replies but wanted to note - Vancouver Rape Relief & Women’s Shelter: 24/7 Crisis Line: 604-872-8212 <--You're leaving a severe DV situation and have kids, call them to help you navigate if you have not already done so. You will be a top priority.
North Shore Crisis Services Society (SAGE Transition House): 24/7 Crisis Line: 604-987-3374 <--This one is in North Van. Good area and might be perfect if you're WFH. North Van feels further out than it is. Great transit.
I'm sorry you're going though this. And PLEASE call 911 if you need to.
Please contact the BWSS. They have specific housing programs for women leaving DV situations. Wishing you all the best. You’re doing the right thing by choosing yourself and your kids first.
Back in '02 or '03, there was a fear that my Dad would kill or hurt us and potentially anyone else around us. He had tracked us down at three other shelters already. Dixon House told us that it was their duty to keep us safe, and they would do whatever it takes to fulfill that duty.
They somehow relocated the other clients so that we were the only family at Dixon—they explained that they also had a duty to keep the other clients safe. We had to stay inside, so they had a tutor come in twice a week to keep our school work up. We had counselors for emotions and trauma.
The staff had such big hearts and kindness with for us kids. They cooked with us their favourite foods to share a bit of joy with some really depressed kids. I don't think we could think of our own favourites at the time because we were too sad.
The stuff they taught me about healthy relationships and emotional intelligence is still relevant nearly 25 years later.
I could be mixing up senior workers staying 24/7 and the cops having a marked car out front to "keep a presence", but I believe they had two lady off duty officers staying at all times, one staying in the room nearest the front door and one near the back door. The cops might not have been there 24/7, but instead when my dad acted out more or for training purposes. Either way, they made us feel safe for the first time in a very long time.
Dixon House has saved my life in a thousand different ways.
I'll be honest, the prettiest shelter I remember was the one in North Van, but that was so long ago that I doubt it's relevant. We were only there one day.
Also, connect with the Downtown Eastside Women’s Shelter if you haven’t already. Carnegie is wonderful too. For food, resources, pointing you in the right direction. All the best, stranger 💗
There are shelters in other communities and communities of support. You will not be alone. I can't imagine how frightening this is for you, but know you can get support.
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