Changing Lives Daily
Regina Transition House is a Place of Hope
For 45 years, Regina Transition House has been helping women and children leave domestic violence and build new lives that are safe, hopeful, and connected to the community. “Our shelter is here to help women and their families leave terrible situations,” says Suzanne Hehn, acting executive director. “We provide a safe place to escape violence, and to begin the process of healing through support that understands what they have been through.” At any one time, the shelter has room for eight adult women and their children to find refuge, and the organization can also offer shelter off-site for two more women, and their families as needed.
Facing the Problem
Regina Transition House is there to help women fleeing violence regardless of the situation they are leaving. “Saskatchewan has the second-highest rate of domestic violence in Canada,” says Hehn. “Violence affects all walks of life. Domestic violence can affect everyone no matter who they are, where they live, what they do for a living or how much money they have.” There are people struggling in our province that need help and it’s not a small population either. Currently, there are 20 women on a waiting list needing help.
Waiting for Help
COVID-19 has made the work of Regina Transition House even more difficult, as it reduced the capacity of the shelter to 80 per cent. “The pandemic has certainly increased the need for our services,” says Hehn. The isolation created by the need to stay home has given way to more incidents of violence in domestic situations and Regina Transition is doing what they can to help.
Beyond Shelter
Regina Transition House does more than shelter women fleeing violence. It also conducts outreach programming and support to those in need. Every Thursday the organization hosts a women’s support group, providing women and children with supper and a place to get assistance and encouragement. “Food security is an issue for many leaving domestic violence, and this is one way we can help ensure people are getting the food and help they need,” says Hehn. There is also 24-hour counselling available, and Regina Transition House works with the women to connect them to the community services they need to begin rebuilding their lives.
Lending a Hand
Helping Regina Transition House is easy. Monetary donations are always gratefully accepted, and easy to do—you can donate online at reginatransitionhouse.ca or via Canada Helps. You can also donate items to the shelter including personal care products, school supplies, household cleaning products, bedding, small household items and gift cards—there’s a wish list online. “We can also arrange furniture donations too, for women leaving the shelter into new homes,” says Hehn.
Vision for Everyone
“Our end goal is to ensure everyone that reaches out is free from abuse and violence in a supportive, safe environment,” says Hehn. “Everyone deserves to be safe.”
Learn more about Regina Transition House at reginatransitionhouse.ca
Regina Transition House
Office: 306.757.2096
24-Hour Crisis Line 306.569.2292
Private Message Regina Transition House on Facebook