A modern waiting room with three large windows, a teal accent wall, beige chairs, a green couch, round white tables, a houseplant, and natural light coming through the windows.

A Safe and Supportive Place

At Optimism Place, we are committed to creating a safe, welcoming, and supportive environment. Our goal is to ensure that your time in our shelter is as comfortable and dignified as possible, with the needs of both women and children always at the centre of our care.

We are an emergency shelter for women, with or without children, who are experiencing violence. There is no cost to stay at the shelter, and women may access residential services for as long as needed. During this time, we provide essential items such as food, toiletries, clothing, diapers, and baby formula at no charge.

We recognize that every individual’s needs are unique. Our team is committed to accommodating dietary needs and limitations, religious and cultural practices, health and safety considerations, accessibility requirements, and other individual needs whenever possible.

Shelter Amenities & What to Expect

At Optimism Place, our shelter is designed to offer comfort, safety, and support while you and your children take meaningful steps toward stability. We provide a range of amenities to help make your stay as comfortable and supportive as possible. We have play space indoors and out for children. Every family has their own bedroom and often their own bathroom. There are 2 kitchens and 4 living rooms with plenty of space for everyone.

  • Before entering shelter, women connect with one of our Frontline Counsellors either in person or over the phone. If a service provider contacts us on someone’s behalf, we will listen to their concerns, but we will always need to speak directly with the woman before offering shelter.

    If shelter is offered, our Frontline Counsellors will work with you to plan the best time to arrive for intake. Some women need to come immediately, while others plan their move into shelter a few days later. Our team can help you safety plan around arriving at shelter — it’s important to remember that leaving an abusive relationship can be the most dangerous time, and your safety comes first.

  • You can arrive at shelter with nothing — we will support you with everything you need.

    If you are able and it is safe to do so, you may wish to bring:

    • A few bags of clothing for yourself and your children

    • Medications and prescriptions for yourself and/or your children

    • Important legal documents (originals, copies, or photos), such as:

      • Birth certificates

      • Driver’s licence

      • Custody or court documents

      • Protection orders

      • Immigration papers or passports

      • Lease or mortgage documents

    • Special keepsakes or comfort items for yourself or your children

    You do not need to bring food, bedding, pillows, toiletries, or furniture — these are provided. We encourage you to prioritize items that are irreplaceable to you and your children.

  • When you arrive at shelter, you will bring your belongings into the building and complete a small amount of intake paperwork with a Frontline Counsellor. If you have children with you, we can complete this process in the playroom so they can play while we talk.

    The intake focuses on gathering basic information about you, your partner or ex-partner, and your children (if applicable). We will also talk about the types of abuse you have experienced and work together on safety planning to support your physical, emotional, and spiritual safety while at Optimism Place and in the community.

    After intake, we will:

    • Give you a tour of the shelter

    • Show you your room

    • Provide access to a secure locker for medications and important documents

    The first night can feel overwhelming — it’s a lot of change in one day. Our Frontline Counsellors are available 24 hours a day to support you.

  • That same day or shortly after, you may meet other women and children staying at Optimism Place through shared spaces such as the kitchen, dining room, living rooms, and playroom. Participation is always optional and at your comfort level.

    We also offer optional group programming, including:

    • Art Group – Tuesdays

    • Wondering Wednesdays – Wednesday mornings

    • Activity-Based Group – Thursday afternoons with Frontline Counsellors

    Once you have settled in, you may also hear from:

    • Our Housing Navigator, if you are interested in housing support

    • Our Family Court Support Worker, if you are navigating the family court system

    • Our Children’s Services Coordinator, if you have children with or without you in shelter

    You are welcome to participate in as many supports and programs as feel right for you.

A bedroom with two twin beds, green accent wall, white dresser, nightstand, and wooden closet doors.

Rooming, Availability, and Accessibility

We have 17 bedrooms that are assigned on a first-come, first-served basis. Single women receive their own rooms, and women who have children with them receive a room large enough to have the whole family in it.

All bedding is provided, and cots and cribs can be made available when needed. Bathroom facilities are accessible, and are stocked with menstrual products. Residents also have access to on-site laundry.

Our shelter is fully accessible, bright, and calm space that includes room for everyone.

Modern kitchen with gray cabinets, white upper cabinets, granite countertops, and small appliances on the counter, with a view into a dining or living area with a desk and computer in the background.

Kitchen and
Dining

Our large, barrier-free kitchen and well-stocked pantry are available to everyone in residence. You can prepare meals for yourself and your children or grab a snack any time. Additionally a second kitchenette is available to prepare quick meals.

We welcome requests for specific food items — including birthday treats and special school snacks — and will do our best to accommodate individual dietary, cultural, or health-related needs.

There is lots of room to make your kids lunches for school, and to prepare meals for yourself or others. The kitchen really is the hub of the community.

A small colorful playhouse labeled 'Anita's Playhouse' in a backyard, surrounded by a wooden fence, trees, and a garden path.

Childrens Spaces and Common Areas

Optimism Place offers a spacious playroom filled with toys to keep children engaged and comfortable.

There are four communal living rooms where women and children can relax, watch movies, play games, or read from our library.

Outside, a secure backyard features a playhouse, splash pad, and sandbox, plus lots of space to run and play for fresh air and quiet time.

Person pressing a button on a security keypad next to a sign that says 'Press Button to Enter' at a building entrance.

Safety and
Security

Your safety is our priority. The shelter is secure with 24/7 monitoring. When you arrive, you’ll work with a frontline counsellor to create a personalized safety plan and go over expectations for safety and security at Optimism Place.

While residents are free to come and go, safety planning is offered before you leave the shelter so we can support your well-being.

All personal information is kept confidential and only shared externally when required by law or with your consent.

Frequently Asked Questions
A woman with long brown hair talking on the phone at her desk in an office, with a computer monitor in front of her and a window with a potted plant behind her.

Next Steps

If you’re considering shelter or have questions about whether Optimism Place is the right fit for you, you’re welcome to reach out to speak with a Frontline Counsellor. We can talk through your situation, explore options, and help you decide what feels safest for you.

You do not have to have everything figured out to contact us.

Ask Us Anything