La rue des femmes

At La rue des Femmes (Herstreet), homelessness is neither a situation nor an issue of poverty; more importantly, neither is it the result of a lack of willpower. The homeless, transients, they are simply women… living in a state of homelessness. Extremely traumatic events, often occurring in childhood, have left these women in a state of post-traumatic stress, which keeps them in terrible fear of connecting with their own inner selves and with others. They no longer enjoy the relational health that is the crucial ability to connect with oneself and others and thus be able to live a normal life.

Herstreet has been welcoming these women for over 25 years and providing them with a safe place to stay and access to an inclusive community. Through its unique approach, based on the recognition and healing of relational wounds, Herstreet gets housing for the women who come for help but also to help them heal in order to permanently escape a state of homelessness. Herstreet offers meals, support and counselling services, as well as runs programs in art and writing as a means of helping the women express themselves and begin to develop bonds with those around them.

With Power Corporation’s support, Herstreet has a third facility, Maison Jacqueline, intended for those women with the most seriously damaged relational health and most urgent needs. Power Corporation considers that Herstreet’s strength stems come from its excellent governance, its track record in the community and the professionalism and expertise demonstrated by the members of its team.