Margaret Laurence House

GVWSS’s primary program is Margaret Laurence House, a community-based second stage program which provides housing support, counselling and advocacy to women who have experienced abuse in their intimate relationships.  Women will be considered for admission through self-referral or referral from other agencies. 

Our goal is to provide a safe place where women’s values are accepted and respected. We believe women have the right to direct their own lives. As a result, residents determine the extent of their involvement in the program and can access support as needed. 

The program has two components:

1.  The MLH residential program offers temporary accommodation for up to one year in 6 townhouse units in a confidential location with the opportunity to access support while making plans for the future.  Support available includes advocacy and referrals, individual counselling, and group support structured around topics chosen by residents.

2. The MLH outreach program provides support for women who are no longer living at MLH but may still need to access support and counselling.  Women in the outreach program are provided with similar services to women living at MLH, but may also be offered assistance in locating safe and affordable housing.

The program is named after Margaret Laurence, a Canadian author who wrote about women’s experience with a strong feminist voice. Our program philosophy reflects Laurence’s feminist voice with the belief that all individuals have a basic human right to live in a non-violent world.