Whats it like to live at a shelter?
Everyone shares in life at the shelter – you, shelter workers, and other people who stay there to escape from family violence. You cook and clean up, and do your own laundry. You help keep the shelter clean and comfortable.You will probably have a room for yourself and your children. You might share a room with another woman if the shelter’s full or there’s an emergency. The smallest NWT shelter can take 4 people and the biggest can take 12.If you have a job and it’s safe for you to work, you can go to work if you wish.Many shelters organize a time everyday to get together to talk and learn about family violence. Shelters often work with other community groups. Together they can help you with things such as income support, victim services, legal aid, housing, support groups, or counselling. Some shelters have programs for children as well, but mothers are responsible for the care of their children while staying in the shelter.
Everyone shares in life at the shelter – you, shelter workers, and other people who stay there to escape from family violence. You cook and clean up, and do your own laundry. You help keep the shelter clean and comfortable. You will probably have a room for yourself and your children. You might share a room with another woman if the shelter’s full or there’s an emergency. The smallest NWT shelter can take 4 people and the biggest can take 12. If you have a job and it’s safe for you to work, you can go to work if you wish. Many shelters organize a time everyday to get together to talk and learn about family violence. Shelters often work with other community groups. Together they can help you with things such as income support, victim services, legal aid, housing, support groups, or counselling. Some shelters have programs for children as well, but mothers are responsible for the care of their children while staying in the shelter.
