$57,700 OTF Grant From Ontario Government Transforms Transitional Housing Program
London, ON – On Thursday, the team at Atlohsa Family Healing Services celebrated a $57,700 Capital grant from the provincial government’s Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) that was used to upgrade and furnish the Yakhiya’take’nhas Yukwahwatsilay^tu Transitional Supportive Housing Program. The project repaired major damages to the building and provided furnished units to Indigenous women and Indigenous women lead families, seeking shelter from experiences of domestic violence and homelessness.
“Whether it’s helping people learn new things, connect with their community, or simply have fun, organizations like Atlohsa Family Healing Services deliver experiences that make a difference,” said Stan Cho, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Gaming. “That’s why grant support through the Ontario Trillium Foundation is so important. This funding will help ensure they remain at the heart of the community for decades to come."
The Capital grant project was designed to improve the condition of the transitional supportive housing building and furnish units for participants who are fleeing or are at risk of domestic violence and/or experiencing or at risk of experiencing homelessness. The funds were used to repair the shared space kitchen cabinets and common area floors where frequent flooding occurred. Further, because of the grant, we were able to provide privacy, black out roller shades to each unit to promote a feeling of safety and security for the women and families accessing the program. In addition, we were able to provide basic furnishings to women and families, freeing up community resources they can access when permanent housing is secured. Lastly, we were also able to provide an update to the second floor programming space, including building offices to increase confidential meeting spaces.
Atlohsa Family Healing Services is a non-profit, charitable organization in southwestern Ontario, dedicated to providing women, men, children, and youth the tools, teachings, and resources supporting the journey to wellness. Currently, Atlohsa has a number of different programs and services spanning multiple social service sectors from land-based healing, housing and homelessness, justice, and mental wellness.
The Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) is an agency of the Ontario government with a mission to build healthy and vibrant communities across the province. Last year, OTF invested nearly $105M into 732 community projects and multi-sector partnerships. Projects aim to enhance economic well-being, foster more active lifestyles, support child and youth development, provide spaces for people to come together and connect, and create a more sustainable environment. Visit otf.ca to learn more.
Media Contact:
Alex Goertzen, Development Coordinator
Atlohsa Family Healing Services
communications@atlohsa.com
519-438-8351
