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Heidi introduced Kim Decker who is CEO of the Cambridge YWCA. She is here to talk about the Homeless Women's Emergency Centre. ( not to be confused with the already existing Women's Crisis Centre). She expects this Emergency Centre will be up and running in the next few weeks. It has funding from the Region for operating expenses. In a region of 600,000 people there are no specific Homeless shelters for women. Project Willow and other studies show an extreme need. There is no safe place for homeless women. They experience violence, theft, exposure to the elements and lack of support on a daily basis. This shelter will be a 20 bed, 24/7 unit in the basement of Grace Bible Church. Renovations and furniture acquisition is underway, They are fundraising for $125,000 to cover these expenses. The shelter will have connections with ACCWA, Langs, Porchlight counselling etc. So far there is no Transitional Housing or Supportive Housing in the City of Cambridge where these homeless women could go after coming to the emergency centre. Kim said that it will take a while for this shelter to build trust with homeless women. Go to the YWCA website for more info. We presented Kim with a cheque for $5000. from our club. Well done, club. A meaningful thankyou to Kim was given by Rena. Club Assembly next week. No Guests, Todd heard that Dr Murray Pearson's scarecrow had won an award. He/she (the scarecrow) was OUTSTANDING in his/her field. ( funnier if you know the context, which I don't) Just 33 days to Christmas! |
