Harmony House

The only second-stage women's shelter in Ottawa, Ontario

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between a "first stage" shelter and a "second stage" shelter?

How do I apply for housing at Harmony House?

How long is the waiting list for a unit at Harmony House?

What is the average length of stay for a resident at Harmony House?

Where do the women and children go after they leave Harmony House?

What causes violence against women?

I think my friend is being abused. How can I help her? 

How can I help Harmony House?

 

What is the difference between a "first stage" shelter and a "second stage" shelter?

A first stage or emergency shelter operates a 24-hour crisis line. It can accept women and children 24 hours a day, seven days a week (provided there is room). Women can stay there for up to 10 weeks. Individual women and families live communally (sharing kitchens, bathrooms, and household chores etc.)

A second stage shelter provides individual apartments at rents geared to income. Women can live with their children (where applicable) for up to a year.

Often women and children come to live at second stage shelters when they have ongoing support, safety or advocacy needs. A second stage shelter provides supportive programming.

How do I apply for housing at Harmony House?

Harmony House accepts referrals from all first stage shelters, as well as from various social service agencies. Completed Harmony House application forms should be faxed to the attention of the Harmony House Women’s Advocates at 613-567-1707.

How long is the waiting list for a unit at Harmony House?

Those women and their children who are housed at Harmony House usually wait three to five months for their unit. 

What is the average length of stay for a resident at Harmony House?

Approximately six months. This varies based on an individual woman's support needs and her alternate housing options.

Where do the women and children go after they leave Harmony House?

Ideally, women and their children leave Harmony House to go on to permanent housing. Some women move in with other members of their family or with friends. Given certain limitations such as affordable housing, lack of financial resources or ongoing security risks, permanent housing is not always possible for our families. In all cases, we avoid putting women and their children back into high-risk situations for violence.

What causes violence against women?

Violence against women is a pervasive human rights violation that occurs everywhere in the world. Find out more information about violence against women.

I think my friend is being abused. How can I help her?

Some tell-tale signs of abuse:

• Does she use medication, street drugs or alcohol to handle stress?
• Is she unhappy or nervous but doesn’t say why?
• Do you see bruises or does she move as if it hurts?
• Does she work very hard at housework, at her relationship, at catering to her partner?
• Does she appear tired or hopeless?
• Is she becoming more isolated from you?

What can I do to help my friend?

• Believe her.
• Ask her if she has been hurt by her partner, or if she is afraid of him (or her).
• Help her plan for crisis.
• Encourage her to talk about the violence.
• Tell her she is not alone and that leaving is not failing.
• Do not tell her what to do.
• Listen and don’t judge her.

DO NOT confront her partner.

If she is not ready to make changes in her life DO NOT take away your friendship. Your support and advice may be what will make it possible for her to leave at a later date.

How can I help Harmony House?

The greatest contribution we can all make is to break the silence. We need to be diligent in our awareness of violence issues. If you have knowledge of a woman or child being abused, you need to do something.

Other ways to help:

• Educate others about violence against women.
• Confront comments that perpetuate violence against women.
• Participate in your local events for the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women on December 6, to remember the women who have been killed.
• Continue action to end violence in all its forms.
• Become a Harmony House volunteer.
• Attend our next fundraising event.

 

Most of all, Harmony House needs your financial support.

Find out how to donate.