How would you respond if somebody handed you $1,040 and said: “This is what you and your daughter have to live on for a month. Now find an apartment.”
That’s what a volunteer from the audience was asked to imagine during an interactive presentation by Kate Quinlan about the Chrysalis Transitional Housing program at the Muskoka Women’s Advocacy Group’s recent AGM. Out of that $1,040, the first task was to find an affordable apartment, but that proved to be a huge challenge when Quinlan pointed out the limited options that are available in Muskoka, particularly for someone without a vehicle.
As the presentation progressed, it quickly became apparent that a single mother who wanted to return to school or work, as the scenario proposed, would face a losing battle. Transportation and childcare costs – if licensed daycare could be found – would leave little for food or other necessities when added to rent and utility costs. There are some small government subsidies available but it can be daunting to connect all the dots.
This is why MWAG’s Chrysalis Housing program is so important, Quinlan explained. It’s geared to income and specifically designed for women in transition. Staff members are available to assist women in setting and achieving goals, as well as unravelling the red tape needed to move forward with their lives.
Women can be referred to the program through one of MWAG’s two crisis shelters, Chrysalis in Huntsville or Muskoka Interval House in Bracebridge, as well as other community agencies. Women can also apply on their own – it isn’t necessary to have been a shelter client.
Applications being accepted now
“What’s available changes all the time,” said Carson. There are a total of 10 units in the building. Studio apartments and one or two-bedroom units are available for up to a year for approved applicants, but applications are only accepted when there are units available as there are for October.
Rent for the units is geared toward income but the program is intended to be transitional – it provides only a short-term solution for those looking for affordable housing. To apply, women must complete an application form and meet with Carson for an interview, and then their application is presented to a committee. Applicants are required to have a plan in place to continue searching for other housing during their stay.
“Every situation is individual,” said Carson, adding that women can call her at 705-789-8488 for more information on the program.
To learn more about the Muskoka Women’s Advocacy Group, please visit: www.mwag.ca.
After the presentation, MWAG hosted a brief business meeting and installed a new board of directors: Sue Burke (past chair), Christine O’Sullivan (chair), Christine Byrne (vice chair), Carol Anne Robinson (treasurer), Sandy Bargold, Alexandra Havlik and Betty Ann Spears.
Muskoka Women’s Advocacy Group 2015-2016 Board of Directors
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