Frequently Asked Questions
General Shelter FAQs
Who can stay at The Redwood Emergency Shelter?
The Redwood welcomes women and their children, as well as trans and gender-diverse individuals who are escaping abuse.
Note: If you live in the immediate neighbourhood of The Redwood, we will assist you in finding a shelter space in a different area of the city to ensure the person causing you harm cannot easily locate you.
How much does it cost to stay at the Emergency Shelter?
There is no charge. Staying at The Redwood Emergency Shelter is completely free.
If I need to come to the shelter, how do I contact you?
Our crisis line is free, confidential, and available 24/7. You can reach us through:
What if The Redwood is currently full?
The Redwood staff will support you in finding another shelter that may have space.The Redwood will refer you to the Assaulted Women’s Helpline that can support you to find other shelters that may have space. For women who need to access support in French, we will refer you to La Maison d’hébergement pour Femmes Francophone.
How long can I stay at The Redwood Emergency Shelter?
Your length of stay is determined by your unique, individual needs. On average, residents stay with us for three to six months.
Family, Youth, and Dependents
Can my teenage son come to The Redwood Emergency Shelter with me?
Yes, you can bring him. The Redwood permits male youths up to 16-years-old to come with their mother. The Redwood provides a set of early intervention, tailor-made services aimed at giving children and youth opportunities to heal from the trauma they have experienced.
How old do I have to be to come alone to The Redwood Emergency Shelter alone?
Survivors must be at least 16 years old to reside alone in our shelter. If you are 15 or younger, we will help you find appropriate support.
We will connect you with children’s aid societies, which provide child protection services and can help you make decisions that prioritize your safety and well-being.
Can my live-in support person come with me to The Redwood Emergency Shelter?
Yes. If you rely on a live-in support person and cannot leave your abusive situation without them, they are welcome to accompany you and stay at The Redwood.
Pets and Other Policies
Can I bring my pet to the shelter?
Only registered service animals are permitted to stay inside the shelter. However, we do not want you to leave your pets behind. We will refer you to Safe Pet Ontario, who will place your pet with a caring volunteer foster family until you can be safely reunited.
What is the harm reduction policy at The Redwood?
The Redwood meets survivors where they are, including understanding the use of substances to numb pain. We work collaboratively with you to create a safety plan that reduces harm to yourself, staff, and other residents. We can also provide referrals to supervised consumption services if needed.
What to Expect at The Redwood
What can I expect upon arrival at The Redwood Emergency Shelter?
When you arrive, you will be welcomed into a secure building where many families live. We will provide you with food, fresh linens, towels, and personal care supplies. You will be shown to your private bedroom and introduced to the dedicated staff who will support you. Most importantly, you will be given a safe space to take a breath.
What are the Shelter amenities?
Private Bedrooms: We offer 12 private bedrooms (37 beds total). You and your children will have your own room, complete with a bed, dresser, closet space, and a personal safe for valuables. Cribs are available upon request.
Safety and Security: Our facility is highly secure. Each bedroom door is equipped with an electronic keypad lock.
Nutritious Meals: Our Food Services Worker prepares delicious, healthy meals for residents every day.
Clothing & Essentials: Staff will ensure you have seasonally appropriate clothing, footwear, and laundry facilities.
Children’s Spaces: We have a cozy indoor children's playroom for open-ended play, as well as Redwood Park - a vibrant, therapeutic outdoor playground where children can make friends and heal.
Accessibility: The shelter features an elevator, TTY access, and automatic door openers.
What ongoing support will I receive while at the shelter?
During your time at The Redwood, you will have access to a 24/7 caseworker. We are here to listen to your story and help you identify your immediate goals.
Our support services include:
Help registering your children for school or daycare.
Assistance applying for secure housing and understanding your housing rights.
Guidance on legal rights, applying for child custody, and accessing Legal Aid Ontario.
Translation services.
Culturally appropriate programming and community referrals.
Group wellness workshops, residents' meetings, and trauma-informed yoga.
