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December 2003

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Federal-Provincial partnership helps protect Hamilton women and children from domestic violence

    Shelter for abused women unveils expansion and renovation

    HAMILTON, ON, Nov. 28 /CNW/ - Dr. Marie Bountrogianni, MPP for Hamilton

Mountain and Ontario's Minister of Children's Services, joined federal and

municipal leaders and staff of Mission Services at a ceremony honouring the

expansion of and renovations at Inasmuch House, a 37-bed shelter for abused

women and children in Hamilton.

    Improvements to the shelter were made possible as a result of a partnership between the Ontario government and the Government of Canada. The newly renovated facility was unveiled during Wife Assault Prevention Month in Ontario.

    "Inasmuch House is another great example of the Ontario government's

commitment to protect women and children from domestic violence," said

Bountrogianni on behalf of Sandra Pupatello, Ontario's Minister of Community

and Social Services with Responsibility for Women's Issues. "Family by family,

we can make a real, positive difference - we can take real steps towards

building stronger, healthier communities."

    "This project is the result of the dedicated efforts of many workers and

staff," said Kelvin Honsinger, Executive Director of Mission Services. "We

thank them and acknowledge the encouragement and support given to us from our community partners. The expansion of our shelter will ensure that this

continues to be a safe place and a place of dignity and hope for women and

children in need."

    The Government of Ontario's contribution of $750,000 enabled Inasmuch

House to add nine new beds to the facility. The shelter also received $376,890

from the federal government through Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation's

Shelter Enhancement Program, which assists in repairing, rehabilitating and

improving existing shelters for women and children, youth or men who are

victims of family violence and in acquiring or building new shelters and

second-stage housing where needed.

    Each year, Inasmuch House provides a short-term safe and supportive

environment for approximately 460 women and 340 children in crisis due to

abuse or the need for emergency accommodations.

Reuters.com