For women fleeing violence, lack of housing is a big problem, say Labrador advocates

A non-profit organization dedicated to keeping women safe from abuse in central Labrador says it has become increasingly difficult to find stable housing for its clients.

And Libra House has broadened its reach in an effort to keep all women safe from other harm, including the extreme cold and homelessness.

Jessica Keating, executive director of Libra House, said the issue of housing and homelessness is evident on the streets of Happy Valley-Goose Bay.

"I'm from the area and I'm going to say within the last number of years, I would never have imagined that we would see the things that we see," Keating said.

"We see groups of people going to the trails. We see people sleeping on a bench.… I'd never thought in my lifetime that I would see such a thing in this area."

Keating said securing stable housing is one of the greatest challenges facing Libra House, which provides emergency housing and shelter for anyone who identifies as female, and children.

Libra House has four two-bedroom independent living units that are rented out, as well as an emergency shelter.

As helpful as that is, Keating said, it can't keep up with the current need in the community. 

"Very seldom are we able to transition women out of our shelter and into their own independent home," she said. "We wish that we could do it more often."

Keating added that some women feel there are no other options but to return to a violent household. 

Libra House helps with applications for housing, but the wait list is lengthy.

"If you have women who have aged children or women who don't have any children, they're at the bottom of the barrel," Keating said. 

Newfoundland and Labrador Housing said it prioritizes vulnerable populations for housing selections, adding that 36 per cent have gone to people experiencing homelessness or violence.

But the demand far outweighs the inventory of housing units.