FAQ
1. WHO PAYS FOR MY STAY?
The facility takes care of all expenses, except for hygiene products. There is no fee to come into the shelter.
2. HOW LONG CAN I STAY?
3. WHAT KINDS OF ROOMS ARE AVAILABLE?
Each shelter is different. Some have family rooms which consist of a kitchenette and / or private bathroom. There are also single rooms.
4. WHAT KIND OF PROGRAMS DOES THE SHELTER OFFER?
5. CAN I CONTINUE TO WORK WHILE LIVING IN SHELTER?
We don’t recommend working if you are coming in for safety. Always safety first.
6. WILL I HAVE ACCESS TO A TELEPHONE, COMPUTER, THE INTERNET?
Shelters have payphones in-house for personal calls. Office phones may be accessed for business purposes. Office computers may be accessed for business purposes. For safety reasons, personal cellphone use is limited. Shelters are cautious when it comes to providing full access to cellphones and internet, as they have families they are trying to protect from their abusers.
7. DOES THE SHELTER STAFF HAVE SPECIALIZED TRAINING?
Our staff hold various types of training and have extensive professional backgrounds. Shelters have Resident Support Workers (RSWs) onsite 24/7 for support. Staff are certified counsellors, have lived experience, and others who specialize in wholistic healing and wellness.
8. I’M ON A SPECIAL DIET. CAN SHELTERS MEET MY DIETARY NEEDS?
We do take into consideration special diets if needed.
9. ARE PETS ALLOWED?
10. DO SHELTERS ACCEPT 2SLGBTQ* PERSONS?
Yes. We accept all who identify as a woman.
11. IS YOUR SHELTER ACCESSIBLE FOR A PERSON WITH A DISABILITY?
Fisher River: We have a ramp on our North Side door and have 1 room that is wheelchair accessible.
12. WHAT HAPPENS AFTER I LEAVE THE SHELTER?
Fisher River: Before leaving the Shelter, we go through a Safety Plan, and schedule times for our Outreach Worker to help support the client’s aftercare plan.
13. CAN I EVER COME BACK?
You can always come back if there is a safety concern.
14. I DON’T SPEAK ENGLISH VERY WELL. DOES THE SHELTER HAVE INTERPRETERS?
We don’t have interpreters onsite, but we can always work this out to better accommodate the client.
15. HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO STAY?
There is no fee to stay.
16. WHAT WOULD A TYPICAL DAY IN THE SHELTER LOOK LIKE?
There is typically a wake-up call in the morning. The cook and client may discuss meal plans and work out a menu together. The client can work one-on-one with the Resident Support Worker, Outreach Worker, or Counsellor. If there are children, the client can schedule play-time with their children. Some shelters have a playground and onsite activity areas for families. Ultimately, the goal is to support residents get back on their feet – physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually.
17. IS CHILDCARE PROVIDED?
Fisher River: Childcare is only provided when our programming is taking place. When there is no program it’s up to the client to arrange for childcare if needed. Our in-house childcare worker does her best to support the mothers.
18. HOW DO I GET INTO THE SHELTER?
Call our facility and one of our Resident Support Workers will determine if it is a safety concern and will talk the client through the intake process.
19. WHAT SHOULD I BRING WITH ME?
Bring identification, clothes, items for children, everything else we have in-house.
20. WHAT IF I AM UNABLE TO BRING CLOTHES WITH ME?
Most shelters have emergency clothing if need be, thanks to the generous donations from the community.
21. ARE THE SERVICES PROVIDED BY THE SHELTERS CONFIDENTIAL?
Yes. Our facilities strive on the principle of confidentiality. Shelter staff do not speak about anyone that is accessing services from our shelters as this is often a safety concern
22. IS IT SAFE TO VISIT A SHELTER DURING COVID-19?
Shelter staff use protective equipment (PPE) and conduct a COVID-19 screening assessment upon intake. Social distancing requirements exists in shelter; PPE available for clients as needed. Outings permitted for essential appointments; no visitors or outside containers at this time. Adhering to provincial restrictions and guidelines.