“We’re very grateful to Councillor Jean Cloutier and his constituents for welcoming Cornerstone into the neighbourhood,” said Sarah Davis, executive director of Cornerstone Housing for Women. “But we need to emphasize that we can’t just keep shuttling the women from one temporary spot to another. They’re with us because they’re vulnerable and need our support in the short term but the long-term solution they need is safe, supportive permanent places to live.”

Davis said Cornerstone will keep pushing to find more permanent solutions to the housing crisis among vulnerable women. Although the COVID-19 crisis is receding for many sectors of society, it’s likely its impact on the shelter system will continue for some time to come. “We’re committed to ensuring no woman/person is left behind,” she said. “Every person in Ottawa deserves a dignified place to live.”