Ottawa, ON – October 20, 2025 
Cornerstone Housing for Women has launched a new campaign, Building Better Healthcare, dedicated to bringing vital healthcare services to the women and gender-diverse individuals living in our shelter and supportive housing residences.

For many women who have experienced homelessness, trauma, and poverty, accessing consistent healthcare can be incredibly difficult. That’s why we are working to bring on-site healthcare services directly to our residents, creating a safer, more dignified path to healing and stability.

Through Building Better Healthcare, we aim to raise funds to support five pillars of wellness. They are:

• Nursing Care: A Nurse Practitioner will provide comprehensive healthcare services.
• Mental Health Care: A Psychiatric Registered Nurse will offer specialized mental health support.
• Indigenous Spiritual Care: Enhance access to land-based healing and cultural practices for Indigenous residents.
• Cultural Support: Newcomers, refugees, and culturally diverse women receive responsive health services.
• Peer Support Worker: Connect residents who use substances to peers in recovery and resources.

Here is what people had to say about the need for better healthcare at Cornerstone.

“The staff and nurses here take good care of me. Cornerstone has made me feel heard. When we have physical care and mental healthcare, women will do better.” – Joanne, Cornerstone resident

“This campaign is about doing something different from what we have done before. Building Better Healthcare represents a holistic, well-rounded way of supporting the women we serve. It bridges the huge gaps we have identified in delivering healthcare services to our women.” - Anne Marie Hopkins, Executive Director at Cornerstone.

Watch the Building Better Healthcare video below, read our case for support, and visit our campaign page to learn more.