Emergent Women and Children's Fund ~
An initiative dedicated to providing essential needs to women and children.
The Emergent Women and Children’s Fund aims to provide direct resources and essential needs to women and children who face a variety of significant challenges. Women and their families who flee from abusive relationships and unsafe homes often encounter difficulties relating to housing, food, mental health, and economic uncertainties which can compound an already devastating situation. This immediate support can be life saving, keeping women and their families housed, safe, and secure.Â
Through this fund, we partner with YWCA Regina and Coordinated Access Regina to provide essential resources and support directly to our community’s most vulnerable women and children, enabling them to overcome obstacles, avoid or escape homelessness, and thrive. By supporting the Emergent Women and Children’s Fund, you are providing invaluable resources to women and their families, and giving them hope for a better future.Â
Recognizing the Emergent Need
Within Saskatchewan, there are some alarming statistics relating to intimate partner violence (IPV) and gender based violence (GBV), which is one of the leading factors which results in homelessness.¹
- Saskatchewan has the highest rate of family and IPV in Canada, over double the national average.¹
- IPV and family violence rates have risen 13% over the past five years in Saskatchewan.¹
- 30.4% of single mothers in Canada live below the poverty line.¹
Women and children face many barriers when they are trying to leave abusive situations — including high housing costs, lowered or restricted access to money and resources, mental health supports, and more. To ensure women and their children do not return to unsafe living situations, having access to adequate housing supports is crucial.
1. Grafton, E., Fletcher, A. J., Giesbrecht, C. J., & Marchment, T. (2024). Addressing gender-based violence in Saskatchewan through second-stage housing: an overview of research and setting new directions. Journal of Community Safety and Well-Being, 9(1), 3–8. https://doi.org/10.35502/jcswb.376
A story of emergent need.
A mother and her children were left financially desperate when her abusive partner left them. At the time, she had a job that was 15km away and she needed her car to get to her job. The car broke down and needed a simple $250 repair, but because the mother was suddenly responsible for the additional half of rent payments after her partner left, she did not have the $250 needed to fix the car.Â
This created a snowball effect. She lost her job for not being able to show up, meaning she lost her only source of income. Because she had no job, she could not pay for rent and lost her home. She ended up in a transition house and ended up losing her children because she could not provide for them.
Ultimately, $250 cost a mother her car, job, home, and children.
Abusive Partner Leaving Suddenly
Mother Paying Full Portion of Rent
Can't Afford $250 Car Repair
Can't Commute to Job 15km Away
Lost Her Job and Source of Income
Can't Her Pay Rent and Lost Her Home
No Home Resulted in Losing Her Children
What Inspired the Emergent Women and Children's Fund
Our Executive Director, Donna Ziegler, learned that there is a significant need for quick and accessible funding to help cover basic costs for women and families on the brink of, or who are currently experiencing, homelessness. Currently, there is a lack of adequate funding avenues to help people cover basic costs, such as utility bills, rent arrears, transportation, and communication, that are crucial to keep someone employed, housed, and safe during their most critical moments. Through conversations with YWCA Regina and other organizations, this fund was established.
How a Donation Impacts Women & Families
We Need Your Help for Sustainable Support
The funding needed to stay safe and housed are not easily available for those fleeing challenging situations. Emergent funding for simple basic needs can be life-changing for women and children in times of need. Instead of facing homelessness, it can help people stay on track to find safety and stability. It can truly save lives.
Since 2024, the Community Foundation has partnered with YWCA Regina and RaiseHER Co. to host the CommUNITY for Women Breakfast Event. This annual fundraising event is an opportunity to bring the community together to uplift and inspire each other to make a meaningful impact. Â
All proceeds from this event go towards the Emergent Women and Children’s Fund to directly support those facing housing, food, mental health, and economic challenges. Your support, during the event or otherwise, empowers women to be hopeful of a better future.