Toward a better understanding of the needs of shelter users

In January 2004 the Provincial Association of Transition Houses and Services embarked on a project intended to gain a better understanding of the needs of women using women's shelters and the barriers and challenges they encountered while trying to meet those needs. PATHS gathered information for this project by analyzing provincial shelter statistics from the Women's Shelter Information System and by consulting directly with current or recent shelter residents through personal interviews and with front- line shelter workers through focus groups. General areas of need identified through the consultation process include survival/basic needs. legal assistance and protection. personal and emotional support. and personal growth. More specific sub-categories are outlined under each general area. Recommendations for change put forth by consultation participants (shelter workers and shelter residents) are included throughout this document. While needs are separated and categorized in this document, in reality they are very interconnected. The fifth section of this document discusses the common threads that are woven through the discussion and connect the experiences and challenges discussed in each category.