Community Announcement: COVID-19 and Keeping Safe at Dawson Women’s Shelter

Image by Hana Shafi

In response to ongoing updates and information concerning the COVID-19 pandemic and directives from the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) and the World Health Organization (WHO), DWS will be suspending all non-emergency services including drop-in laundry and showers, in-person programming, and prevention education workshops until further notice.

DWS will continue to provide emergency services to our community including emergency housing and related supports for women and children fleeing violence as well as women experiencing acute homelessness. Supportive listening is always available on our 24-Hour Support Line – 867.993.5086. DWS’ plan is to resume our full range of amazing services when officials indicate it is safe to do so.

The suspension of drop-in programs like laundry, showers, and on-site programming will have an impact on our community and we encourage folks to call DWS to brainstorm alternatives at 867.993-5086.

This difficult decision has been made based on recommendations for social distancing from WHO and PHAC as well as in consultation and coordination with other shelters and transition homes in Yukon and the North. We have a responsibility to the safety of the women and children we serve and to our DWS workers. We know that both service users and service providers may be immunosuppressed or chronically ill. DWS takes prevention and the health of those most vulnerable seriously and are committed to following best health and safety practices.

We know that COVID-19 will most impact those in our community who are already struggling and encourage our community to think about mutual aid, checking in on your neighbours, examining what you have and what you can share.

DWS staff will be attending community meetings and doing our committee work by telephone or video conferencing wherever possible. Do not hesitate to reach out to us at the shelter – 867.993-5086 – or via email.

Recognizing that many women and non-binary community members access DWS groups as part of breaking isolation, we will be having online hangouts on Facebook and Instagram, depending on what staffing levels permit. What would you like to see us chat about on Facebook and Instagram live? We’re thinking crafting and perhaps a chat about bystander intervention or consent.

Check back to DWS’ blog and social media feeds for the most up to date information about our services.

Mähsi cho/thank you for your understanding during this difficult and confusing time. Let’s take good care of each other.

The Dawson Women’s Shelter team