The YWCA announced Thursday they have reached their first priority target and have officially opened their new Transitional Housing Wing – “Hopeful Hearts”.

In September of 2023, YWCA Saskatoon publicly launched their $19M Capital Campaign which included three targets: an addition to the Crisis Shelter and Residence, renovations to
the existing facility, as well as an expansion of the Employment and Learning Centre.

The expansion will increase the number of available Crisis Shelter and Residence second-stage housing beds with a 75-bed expansion to the existing facility which more than doubles the YWCA’s capacity.

In a news release Cara Bahr, CEO of the YWCA Saskatoon said, “Many are fleeing violence, grappling with trauma, or navigating the devastating impacts of poverty, addiction, and mental illness. Last year alone, we had to turn away over 5,000 women and children – not because they didn’t need us, but because we simply didn’t have the space.”

She says the opening of our Hopeful Hearts wing means 35 more families have a place to live while rebuilding their lives.

The focus of the YWCA now shifts to the remaining 2 target priorities.