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Welcome to Ernestine’s

If you or your children are experiencing any form of abuse – it is not your fault and you are not alone. We Can Help!

51% of Canadian women have been victims of at least one act of physical or sexual violence since the age of 16.

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About Ernestine’s

Ernestine’s Women’s Shelter was opened in 1983 by a group of community members who saw a need for a safe place for women and children fleeing violence and abuse. Learn more about the history of Ernetine’s and how we serve survivors of violence.

How to Help

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Monthly Giving

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One Time Gifts

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Corporate Opportunities

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Volunteer

Programs and Services

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Life After Violence Program

The Life Without Violence Program at Ernestine’s provides 24-hour crisis intervention and supportive counselling to women and children living within the shelter.

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Child and Youth

Ernestine's Child and Youth Program is a nurturing sanctuary, fostering growth and healing for children who have witnessed or experienced violence.

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Food Bank

Our Food Bank Program is a vital resource, providing low-barrier access to essential food and hygiene items.

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Housing and After Care Program

Ernestine's Transitional Housing & Outreach Support Program provides a lifeline for survivors of domestic violence, offering a safe bridge to independence.

Get Immediate Help With Our 24/7 Crisis Line

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STEP 1

Call 416-746-3701 ext 0 or TTY 416-746-3716 - both lines are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

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STEP 2

Immediately speak with one of our trained counsellors who will listen to you.

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STEP 3

We will provide you with information on how to be safe and resources to meet your immediate needs.

  • “This opportunity has opened so many doors for me and I cannot thank you and the staff at Ernestine's for always recognizing the potential I could not always see in myself. All of you are an inspiration.”

    Former Ernestine’s Client

  • “The staff at this centre made me feel very safe, cared for and empowered. They always made an opportunity to fulfill my needs.”

    Former Ernestine’s Client

  • “I like Ernestine’s because they give us shelter and food. I like that I can make lots of friends and have no danger.”

    Child, Anonymous

  • “Shelter is not a place I ever wanted to go, but I am here, and I am glad I came to Ernestine’s Women Shelter. Thank you for opening your door for myself and my children.”

    Former Ernestine’s Client

  • “Having somewhere that is safe and welcoming is how I feel about Ernestine’s. I have felt welcomed since the first day I walked through these doors. The staff genuinely have your best interest at heart, not because they have to, but because it matters to them. Being able to have people around you that are interested in the safety and wellbeing of you and your family is reassuring coming from a situation where you felt there would never be a safe calm.”

    Mom, Anonymous

  • “Ernestine’s is a home for me, I never called it a shelter. The people in Ernestine’s are very nice. Specially the staff is very cooperative. They help in every single way. They helps to make things easy. Every member/staff of Ernestine’s is a family for me. They take care of me of every aspect.”

    Former Ernestine’s Client

  • "My parents were war survivors. My mother’s existence depended upon the courage and kindness of complete strangers who offered her food and shelter as she fled through the underground from occupied Europe. How can we turn our backs on current day mothers and children when they risk everything to flee violence and abuse? Volunteering my expertise in finance, and providing financial support to Ernestine’s is the least I can do."

    Winston Meyer, The Meyer Small Financial Group

  • "One of my greatest sources of pride since Ext. Marketing’s founding over eleven years ago has been our ability to support the incomparable Ernestine’s team continue their important work in helping woman and children escape violence and start new lives."

    Richard Heft. President, Ext. Marketing Inc.

Our Supporters

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Ontario Trillium Foundation logo
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