Three years following the federal government’s introduction of a national strategy aimed at eradicating gender-based violence, a stark reality has emerged: over 60 per cent of shelters across Canada are operating beyond their financial capacities at least once each month. A recent survey reveals that many of these vital services are relying heavily on fundraising efforts to remain functional, highlighting a critical and ongoing challenge for emergency shelters and transitional housing facilities.
Rising Demand and Limited Resources
A report released by Women’s Shelters Canada, which surveyed 317 shelters from March to July last year, paints a troubling picture of an overstretched support system. Despite their crucial role in assisting victims of domestic violence, these shelters are grappling with severe staffing shortages, deteriorating infrastructure, and an ever-increasing demand for services.
The findings indicate that both emergency and transitional shelters frequently exceed their funding limits. In the context of a national housing crisis, the length of stay for individuals seeking refuge has also escalated, resulting in more people being turned away. This alarming trend risks pushing victims back into dangerous environments, perpetuating cycles of abuse. In the 2022-23 period, around 60,000 individuals—predominantly women and children—sought refuge in approximately 560 emergency and transitional shelters across Canada, according to Statistics Canada.
The Struggles of Frontline Workers
Robyn Hoogendam, a research and policy manager for Women’s Shelters Canada and co-author of the report, highlights the underfunding that persists within the anti-violence sector, despite its essential services, including outreach and preventative initiatives. More than half of the shelters reported an inability to cover operating costs without resorting to fundraising efforts, and 10 per cent stated they still fell short even with additional financial support. Alarmingly, nearly a quarter of the surveyed organisations have had to reduce their programming over the past year.
“The demands placed on our workers are increasingly complex,” Hoogendam stated, noting that staff often juggle multiple roles—from cooking to crisis counselling—further straining their already limited resources. Many frontline workers are confronted with clients facing substance abuse issues, mental health challenges, and complex family dynamics, including caring for young children or elderly relatives. This multifaceted strain has contributed to significant burnout and turnover rates among staff.
The National Action Plan: Progress or Stagnation?
The National Action Plan to combat gender-based violence, introduced by the federal government in 2023 with a commitment of $525 million over four years, aimed to create a more cohesive framework for victims to access timely protection and services. However, as the initial funding phase approaches its end in March 2027, there are concerns regarding the sustainability of these initiatives. Hoogendam emphasised that, despite fruitful discussions with the Ministry of Women and Gender Equality, uncertainty looms over the future of the plan.
The economic implications of domestic violence are staggering. In 2009, the federal government estimated the economic toll of spousal violence in Canada at a staggering $7.4 billion. Tragically, intimate partner violence remains a significant concern, with a woman being killed by a partner approximately every week, making the home statistically the most perilous place for women. In 2025 alone, 147 women and girls lost their lives to violence, with men identified as suspects in over 80 per cent of these cases.
The Local Impact: Community Reliance and Fundraising
At the Victoria Women’s Transition House, executive director Bahar Dehnadi underscores the critical reliance on community support. The organisation is preparing for its annual gala, a pivotal fundraising event that accounts for nearly 44 per cent of its £8 million budget. “We are fortunate to have such a supportive community,” Dehnadi remarked. “Yet, this reliance on fundraising is a constant reality for us.”
Dehnadi expressed concern over the inconsistent support for shelters, which limits their ability to meet the surging demand for assistance. Women often find themselves in a position where returning to their abusers becomes a painful choice. With a 30-day limit on stays in their emergency facility, the harsh realities of the national housing crisis have rendered such timeframes unfeasible. The recent opening of a 50-unit transitional housing facility saw immediate occupancy, with demand swiftly outpacing availability.
Why it Matters
The escalating crisis facing shelters across Canada is not merely a statistic—it represents a profound social issue that impacts countless lives. The resilience of frontline workers and the communities that support them is commendable, yet the systemic underfunding and inadequate infrastructure threaten the very safety of vulnerable individuals. As the realities of gender-based violence continue to unfold, the call for comprehensive, sustained support and resources has never been more urgent. Addressing this crisis is not just about funding; it is about recognising the value of human life and ensuring that those seeking refuge from violence have access to the help they so desperately need.