The purpose of this project, which was commissioned by the York Region Alliance To End Homelessness (YRAEH), was to conduct a needs assessment in York Region to determine the level of need for an emergency shelter and supporting services for single women, not fleeing violence who are homeless, hidden homeless and at risk of homelessness. The project outcomes included:

• an analysis of service models related to service delivery for homeless women
• suggestions for the location of an emergency shelter and related services for homeless and at risk women; and
• identification of future trends or risk factors that may impact on women.

One goal of the research is to have it inform the York Region Community Plan to Address Homelessness. The other intention is that it functions as a working document for agencies and their funding partners to begin to address gaps in services experienced by homeless and at risk women.

The YRAEH is an extensive network of agencies and individuals committed to serving the homeless and those at risk. The women’s shelter subcommittee developed in response to the need for an emergency shelter for women who are homeless and at risk of homelessness in York Region. Currently in York Region there is no shelter for women who are homeless and who are not fleeing violence or with children.