VIMHS
Vancouver Island Mental Health Society
Observations from more than a decade working in the women’s shelter system
Observations from more than a decade working in the women’s shelter system
Observations from more than a decade working in the women’s shelter system
Saturday 2nd August 2025
Mary Vaccaro shares insights from a decade in women's shelters, highlighting challenges like rising housing costs and the impact of gender-based violence.
20 minutes
Eye-opening
Informative
Compassionate
Supportive
Honest
About this podcast
Author:
VIMHS
Overview:
Categories:
Sobriety Toolkit
Sexual Empowerment & Identity
Community & Support Networks
Policy & Advocacy
Body & Mind
Links:
Visit site
Episodes:
248 (View all)
Do you want to link to this podcast?
Get the buttons here!Mary Vaccaro's Decade in Women's Shelters: Challenges and Hope
Episode Overview
- Rising housing costs have made affordable living nearly impossible for those on social assistance.
- Gender-based violence often leads women into cycles of homelessness.
- The fentanyl crisis has added complexity to shelter work, increasing grief and burnout.
- Emergency shelters are temporary fixes; there's a need for more supportive housing.
- Investing in long-term housing solutions can prevent cycles of homelessness.
"I think we need to know that many of the women that we see on the streets in our cities are there because of violence."
Mary Vaccaro's decade-long experience in the women's shelter system is nothing short of eye-opening. As a faculty member at McMaster University and a dedicated worker in Ontario's shelters, she paints a vivid picture of the struggles faced by women experiencing homelessness. The episode delves into the complexities of housing issues, where rising costs have made affordable living nearly impossible for those on social assistance.
Mary shares poignant stories of women who lost custody of their children and found themselves without a home, highlighting the need for better support systems. Her insights reveal how gender-based violence often leads to homelessness, creating a cycle that is hard to break. Vaccaro discusses the fentanyl crisis, which has added layers of difficulty to the already challenging work in shelters, turning staff into first responders and leaving many grappling with grief and burnout.
The episode doesn't shy away from the harsh realities but also explores potential solutions. Mary advocates for increased investment in supportive housing, arguing that emergency shelters are merely temporary fixes. She calls for a more robust housing system that provides choice and dignity to those in need. With a sprinkle of humour, Mary emphasises that anyone can find themselves in these vulnerable situations, urging society to invest in long-term solutions.
Her conversation is a compelling call to action for better policies and creative thinking to address homelessness effectively. If you're interested in understanding the human side of homelessness and the systemic changes needed to tackle it, this episode is a must-listen. It offers valuable insights into the challenges faced by women and the urgent need for supportive housing solutions.