Cornerstone Housing for Women’s new Physical Distancing Centre came through the pandemic winter free of COVID-19 outbreaks, successfully providing safe and secure housing for 125 women.
The last of several vaccination clinics in April lifted the spirits of both residents and staff, executive director Sarah Davis says. “The hope is coming back.”
The distancing centre, established with the support of the City of Ottawa, will be maintained at least until the end of July. Davis is working with the city to extend the tenure until a permanent solution is found. There is no question of returning to the shelter’s O’Connor Street location which was overcrowded for 61.
The women are happy in their new quarters. Since she came to Cornerstone in January Davis has found a “resoundingly favourable response” from the residents.
She has spent an intense three months in what she describes as a steep learning curve, talking to staff and residents under COVID-19 restrictions to understand the impact of the move last December.
“Grow old along with me! The best is yet to be.”