A home designed by and for French-speaking women.
Born from the mobilization of a group of committed women, La Maison has supported women and their children fleeing intimate partner and family violence since 2013.
Safety, independence and rights advocacy.
To provide a safe environment for French-speaking women in all their diversity, with or without children, facing intimate partner and family violence, in order to support them in regaining their independence.
La Maison is also involved in social strategies aimed at reducing women’s vulnerability and upholding their rights.
What guides everything we do.
Feminism
A tool for social transformation aimed at achieving women’s independence and freedom.
Respect
La Maison welcomes and respects every person in all their diversity, without discrimination.
Social justice
Helping eliminate social injustice to ensure women’s right to equality.
Well-being
An environment of comfort, safety and growth for clients, staff, volunteers and the board.
Inclusion and equity
Welcoming and celebrating diversity, and removing barriers to civic participation.
From a shared idea to an open house.
We thank everyone who worked, near or far, to make this dream a reality.
The idea
The idea of a shelter for French-speaking women experiencing intimate partner violence in Toronto was prioritized at the general assembly of Action ontarienne contre la violence faite aux femmes in the fall of 2004. A group of dynamic, committed women mobilized themselves and the community around the project.
Needs and feasibility studies
For nearly 20 years, French-speaking women in Ontario had been calling for shelters in their own language. In May 2006, AOcVF commissioned research, funded by the Ministry of Community and Social Services, that confirmed the need. A feasibility study then established the model and guidelines for a twenty-bed shelter in Toronto.
Incorporation
Funding, charitable status and land
Funding announced by the MCSS, charitable status obtained and land purchased.
Groundbreaking
Services open
First resident welcomed
Inauguration
Thank you to everyone who makes our mission possible.
Government of Ontario
Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services
Ministry of Francophone Affairs
Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development
Government of Canada
Department of Canadian Heritage
Women and Gender Equality Canada (capacity building)
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
Women and Gender Equality Canada (emergency fund through Women’s Shelters Canada)
Employment and Social Development Canada
Centraide United Way
AITH
FCC
Canadian Women’s Foundation