By James Gordon
The Elizabeth Fry Society, a non-profit organization that works with women who are, or who are at risk of coming into conflict with the law, will use its share of $2.25-million in federal funding to convert space at the Bronson Centre into transitional housing units for six women and two families.
“We’ve definitely made a link to the fact that if a woman is homeless, then it’s obviously a certain pathway into criminal conduct as a means of survival,” acting Executive Director Jodie Golden says.
The money, about $59,000, will be used to make general improvements to the units that currently occupy the space in the centre, including new paint and furniture.
She says renovations will begin soon and are expected to be completed by next April.
The money is the second installment of a three-year, $17.3-million grant from the federal government to reduce homelessness, recognized as a growing problem in the city.
Other Centretown organizations receiving funding include the John Howard Society of Ottawa and the Catholic Immigration Centre.
Golden says it’s a step in the right direction.