Despite the Canadian government’s commitment to combat gender-based violence through a national action plan, the reality for many women seeking refuge remains bleak. A recent survey has revealed that over 60 per cent of shelters across the nation are operating beyond their funded capacities at least once each month, with many struggling to stay afloat amid rising demand and dwindling resources.
Shelters Overwhelmed by Demand
The report, published by Women’s Shelters Canada, draws on data from 317 emergency and transitional shelters collected between March and July 2023. It paints a stark picture of a sector under immense strain, as service providers grapple with staffing shortages, ageing facilities, and an escalating number of individuals requiring assistance. The findings highlight a troubling trend: both emergency and second-stage shelters frequently exceed their operational limits.
The impact of a national housing crisis is also felt acutely within these shelters. Lengthening stays mean that more women and children are being turned away, often forcing them back into unsafe environments. In the 2022-23 period, approximately 60,000 individuals, predominantly women and children, sought sanctuary in around 560 shelters, according to Statistics Canada.
Funding Challenges and Staffing Crises
Robyn Hoogendam, research and policy manager at Women’s Shelters Canada and one of the co-authors of the report, underscores the critical role these organisations play in their communities. However, she notes that they remain consistently underfunded, with over half of surveyed shelters unable to cover operating costs without resorting to fundraising efforts. Alarmingly, 10 per cent of these organisations cannot meet expenses even with fundraising support.
“Many of us have witnessed the relentless multitasking of shelter staff,” Hoogendam explains. Front-line workers often juggle multiple roles, from crisis counselling to cooking and child care. This overwhelming workload leads to high levels of burnout and turnover, further complicating an already dire situation.
As shelters face increasingly complex cases — clients grappling with substance abuse, mental health challenges, or caring for dependents — the pressure on staff intensifies. Hoogendam shares that many directors of smaller shelters often have to abruptly end conversations to address urgent crises, revealing the chaotic reality of their daily operations.
The Uncertain Future of the National Action Plan
The National Action Plan to end gender-based violence, introduced in 2023 with a commitment of $525 million over four years, was intended to ensure that all individuals facing such violence could access timely protection and services. However, as we approach the end of the plan’s first phase in March 2027, those working in the anti-violence sector express concern over the future of this initiative.
Despite discussions with the Ministry of Women and Gender Equality, there is uncertainty about the plan’s continuation. Hoogendam warns that without sustained investment, the progress made could stall. She points to the staggering economic cost of spousal violence, estimated at $7.4 billion by the federal government in 2009, as a critical issue that requires ongoing attention.
Tragically, intimate partner violence remains a persistent threat in Canada, with a woman killed by an intimate partner roughly once a week. In 2025, the Canadian Femicide Observatory reported 147 women and girls lost to violence, with men identified as suspects in the majority of those cases.
Community Support and Fundraising Efforts
At the Victoria Women’s Transition House, staff are preparing for a crucial fundraising gala, which is essential for covering approximately 44 per cent of their annual budget, estimated at $8 million. Executive director Bahar Dehnadi acknowledges the unwavering support of the local community but emphasises that the lack of consistent funding means they often cannot meet rising demand.
With the national housing crisis deepening, the expectation that women can find safety within a 30-day timeframe in emergency shelters is increasingly unrealistic. Dehnadi highlights the pressing need for affordable safe spaces, which remains a significant barrier for women seeking to escape abusive relationships. The organisation’s new 50-unit second-stage housing facility filled up quickly, only to see demand continue to outstrip supply.
“It’s disheartening for staff to witness women returning to the very environments they fled,” she says, capturing the emotional toll on both those seeking refuge and the dedicated workers striving to assist them.
Why it Matters
The ongoing crisis in Canada’s shelters for women escaping violence is emblematic of a broader failure to adequately support vulnerable populations. As shelters struggle to meet the needs of those they serve, the cycle of violence continues unabated. Ensuring that all individuals have access to safe spaces is not just a matter of policy but a fundamental human right. Without immediate and sustained action, countless lives remain at risk, and the societal cost of inaction will only continue to escalate.
