“Lanark County Interval House’s second-stage housing program gives local women and children a steppingstone to a brighter future, and without United Way we wouldn’t have that for them.”
At a time when financial anxiety is high in our communities and affordable housing is scarce, we at United Way East Ontario know it can be even harder for women fleeing violence. That’s what makes our partnership with organizations like Lanark County Interval House and Community Support (LCIH) so critical.
The second-stage housing program is a transitional program at LCIH that aims to support women for up to 18 months after leaving an abusive situation.
“My son and I entered the program with two suitcases—one for him, one for me,” explains Candace, who is no longer living at LCIH, but continues to be supported by staff along her healing journey.
“When I entered the program, I felt like a broken person. I was facing significant legal fees. So, having access to safety, security, and affordable housing really made a huge difference.”
Support from United Way East Ontario covers day-to-day operations of the second-stage housing program at LCIH and allows for a full-time dedicated support worker and counsellor to help women set goals, work on budgeting, plan for safety, and transitioning to independent living.
A humbling experience
Candace tells us, before she recognized the abuse in her home, she felt like her life was pretty normal—she had a nice house; she was working; she had lots of friends. But unfortunately, anyone can find themselves a victim and have their life turned upside down through no fault of their own.
“From day one, I felt accepted at Lanark County Interval House. I felt heard and validated with my concerns, with my family’s situation and the abuse that I was enduring,” says Candace. “Safety and security are things you kind of take for granted in life—until they are lost. When they are given to you again, it offers perspective and is humbling.”
Candace says second-stage housing gave her peace of mind about safety. It provided a stable, affordable place to live—somewhere she could return to each day and focus on being a good mom while recalibrating her life.
“The mental focus that I put toward healing myself in this program was huge,” says Candace. “I was able to understand what strong, healthy friendships look like. I was able to build relationships that are really important to me. I was able to grow. I’m mentally stronger moving forward, for sure.”
Ensuring equal opportunities for families across our region
At United Way, we know that it’s nearly impossible to take care of your mental health, stay focused at work, or plan for the future without a stable place to live.
Rachel says it’s special that United Way continues to see the value of second-stage housing programs, especially in rural communities like theirs.
“I think a lot of communities are focused on taking care of immediate emergencies or crises. This second-stage housing program is not mainstream—it’s not a shelter, and it’s not a direct emergency response; it’s the step after,” she explains. “When families flee abusive situations, there is a ripple effect that takes a long time for families to rebuild and heal from.”
Candace says while affordable housing is an issue in most communities, it’s especially true in rural areas like Lanark County.
“I was so fortunate to be able to get a spot here. It really is important for these spots to be available and to continue to be available, so that people are given the same opportunities I was given to better their future.”
With your support, United Way East Ontario advocates for safe, stable housing for everyone. Together, we can ensure that every person has the opportunity to build the life they want for themselves and their families.
