COVID-19 Update for April 1

We are now three weeks into the COVID-19 crisis and while we try to make sense of rapidly-evolving developments, the deep impact to our community can be felt as we stretch critical resources in ways we had never imagined possible.

In compliance with requests from leading health authorities for all non-essential workers to stay home, YWCA Hamilton non-essential programs and services will remain closed until May 4, 2020, at which point we’ll reassess. Carole Anne’s Place, an overnight drop-in centre for women experiencing homelessness, will remain open until April 30, 2020. And of course, our residential programs, including the Transitional Living Program at 75 MacNab and our residences for Developmental Services, will continue to operate.

We are moved by the generosity of those who have answered our plea for donations of food and other essential items to support the many women and families we serve. And while the COVID-19 situation shifts from day to day, so do the needs of our community.

But in encouraging self-isolation and distancing amongst the 65 residents who call YWCA Hamilton home, and women who are homeless who we are supporting in temporary hotel spaces provided by the City of Hamilton, one harsh reality becomes clear: isolation and hunger are huge threats to safety and well-being. With limited access to food and activities, we simply need supplies to keep those who rely on us active, engaged and fed while isolating in their rooms.

We need your help.

Below is a list of items we are collecting to support the women and families accessing our essential services. Please have a look around your homes for items you no longer use or consider purchasing something new from our Amazon Wish List.