Shelter Enhancement

The Shelter Enhancement Program (SEP) provides funding to improve existing shelter for women, children and youth who have experienced family violence. The program also helps to acquire and build new shelters and second stage housing where needed.

Assistance

Financial assistance is provided through a fully forgivable loan that does not need to be repaid as long as the shelter operator follows the conditions of the program. For newly developed projects, funding of up to 100 per cent of the project’s capital costs is available. This assistance must be secured by a forgivable 15-year mortgage.

The maximum loan available for renovation projects varies according to the number of existing beds or bed units.

Am I Eligible?

Non-profit corporations and charities who operate housing for women, children and youth who have experienced family violence are the intended recipients of the financial assistance. Funding is limited to capital assistance and sponsor groups must have operating assistance for emergency shelters. For second stage housing, residents are expected to make modest contributions to help offset the operating costs of the project.

Eligible work

Eligible repairs include:

  • Repairs required to bring existing emergency shelters and second stage housing to minimum levels of health and safety
  • Repairs to allow accessibility for disabled occupants
  • Repairs to ensure there are safe program and play areas for children
  • Repairs to provide an appropriate level of security for residents

For new emergency shelters and second stage housing being developed, the project should modestly reflect the needs of the client. The most cost-effective and appropriate projects will be selected to receive funding.

Get Started

Give us a call at 1-844-424-5110 and one of our program staff will be happy to help.