New transitional housing for victims of domestic violence opens in Laval

Monday marked the opening of a new transitional housing project for women affected by domestic violence in Laval – a project 15 years in the making.

The $6.9 million project called “Shield of Athena Family Services: MH2 L’Odyssée” is made up of 17-units. It will offer affordable housing and community support to highly vulnerable women and their children in Laval.

To date, 24 individuals have already settled in these units, some being children.

“It is to help provide them with a helping hand, with more time so that they can get on their feet, find a job, and deal with their children properly,” said Melpa Kamateros, Executive Director of Shield of Athena.

The building was an initiative of Shield of Athena, a non-profit organization that provides services to women who are victims of domestic or family-member violence and their children, as well as to minority communities.

“Today’s announcement is about more than just a building. It’s about creating a real pathway to safety, stability, and the fundamental right of every woman and child to live independently and free from violence,” said Emmanuella Lambropoulos, Saint-Laurent liberal MP.

Chrysanthe Sclavounakis-Nakis, president of the non-profit, said the project was 15 years in the making.

“In 2010, after our caseworkers told us about the difficulties women face when they leave our shelter, the board of directors decided to provide longer-term support to meet the need for safe and accessible housing,” Sclavounakis-Nakis said.

“When a woman makes the brave decision to leave violence behind, she will not be alone,” said Lambropoulos. “She will not be forced to choose between safety and survival.”

In a press release Monday, Quebec’s Ministry of Housing said the project received financial support from governments at different levels.

The government of Quebec contributed nearly $2 million to the project through Société d’habitation du Québec (SHQ), while the federal government and the City of Laval funded nearly $1 million each.

“Our government is committed to ensuring that community organizations, like Shield of Athena, have the resources they need,” said Lambropoulos.

Tenants may also benefit from rental assistance jointly funded by SHQ and the City of Laval.

“Each new project of this type strengthens our network of shelters and our determination to stand against violence in all its forms,” said Caroline Proulx, Quebec’s minister for housing and status of women.

“Since 2020, the City has supported 1,078 social and affordable housing units – including 49 specifically for women and families fleeing violence – through three significant projects,” Laval Mayor Stéphane Boyer said.

“When a woman makes the incredibly difficult decision to leave an abusive situation, she is choosing courage,” said Lambropoulos. “Our responsibility is to ensure that she is met with support, not uncertainty.”