YWCA Canada is excited to announce the launch of the National Emergency Survivor Support Fund (NESS).

This NESS Fund is an initiative of YWCA Canada, operated in partnership with 12 local YWCAs across the country. The Fund provides one-time financial support of up to $2,000 to survivors of gender-based violence to help them leave abusive living conditions, emergency shelters or precarious living situations like staying temporarily with friends/family or living unhoused.

Who can apply for YWCA’s NESS Fund?

The fund is open to women, trans, Two-Spirit or gender-diverse people who are 16 years of age or older. Applicants must be seeking support to leave abusive living conditions, leave emergency shelters or precarious housing conditions (staying with family/friends; couch-surfing or living unhoused) they were accessing as a result of experiencing violence.

What does gender-based violence mean?

Gender-based violence is an umbrella term describing harmful acts directed at an individual based on their gender. It is rooted in gender inequality, the abuse of power and harmful norms. This includes domestic violence and abuse, intimate-partner violence and family violence.

What can the fund be used for?

The fund is intended to help survivors to leave violence and establish safe, stable housing. Funds can be used for:

• First and last month’s rent;
• Rental arrears that prevent you from signing a new lease;
• Set up expenses for utilities;
• Utilities (hydro, internet, phone) arrears that prevent you from setting up new utilities contracts;
• Moving expenses;
• Storage expense;
• Essential furniture for a new home;
• Travel expenses (Bus, train, flight costs) .
• Gender-affirming care and services as needed by trans, Two-Spirit or gender-diverse people;
• Expenses related to attaining permanent resident status or Canadian citizenship; and/or,
• Other essential expenses related to leaving violence and establishing safe, stable housing.

How do people apply for support?

They can visit YWCA Saskatoon’s website at ywcasaskatoon.com or YWCA Canada’s site at ywcacanada.ca/nessfund-2/

The application form will be launched Thursday, July 21, 2022.