People who flee countries are pushed to leave under all sorts of harrowing conditions. Janet Dankwa knew the road to a new life north of the American border would be uncertain. For women like her, trapped in an abusive relationship, the decision to escape is often made more difficult by the fear of life on the streets. The cruel lack of options can lead to more violence, even death. “Anybody can become homeless,” said Dankwa, now a housing advocate and member of the Peel Poverty Reduction roundtable, rhyming off the things she was forced to leave behind in the U.S. – her house, job and family. “I would rather go through the things I experienced knowing that I’m in a safe place, knowing that I’m getting support that I needed.” Her journey to stable housing – an apartment she rents by herself – was made possible by Peel Region support workers who helped her access mental health and other services to get back into the workforce. That was before COVID-19 hit and introduced new uncertainties.

Please read more https://www.thestar.com/news/canada/2020/10/26/homeless-and-those-fleeing- violence-need-immediate-shelter-help-as-winter-looms.html