YWCA Crossroads Safe Haven Campaign

The Crossroads Safe Haven Campaign goal was $3.5 million recognizing a total project cost of $4.78 million

The new Crossroads Shelter is located on the existing Crossroads II Shelter site in Peterborough. This location was chosen in part because the adjacent property became available at an affordable price, and both lots are required to accommodate a new 14,000 square foot building. Numerous alternative options were carefully assessed and rejected as impractical or too expensive (including purchase and renovation of existing institutional buildings and community residences). Consideration was also given to renovating or adding to one of the existing Crossroads Shelter buildings. Structural engineering studies and professional inspection of these shelters resulted in the more cost-effective decision to demolish Crossroads II and construct a new facility on the adjoining lots. Construction commenced in fall 2009.

Capital costs were $3.5 million. This included all costs associated with demolition of the existing Crossroads II facility, new building construction, landscaping, security features and outfitting (furnishings).

A grant by The Ontario Ministry of Community and Social Services of $980,000 covered land acquisition costs, permits, administration, transition and fundraising costs, and communication and education costs, as well as contributing to capital.

Initial years funding for enhanced programming support was $350,000.

100% of donor dollars raised will go toward capital construction and enhanced programming.

“There is no doubt in my mind that there is a need for the new Crossroads Shelter. I see it everyday in my work. On a daily basis, we read about people aged 16-60 who are being charged with criminal offences. Many times these people have grown up witnessing abuse in their homes. The sooner we deal with domestic violence as a community, the better it will be for all of us whose lives are touched by it. It is incumbent on us to provide a safe place within the community where women and their children can stabilize and get the professional services they need. We need to help them create a future that will be better for them and their children. That's why I support the YWCA.”

– Terry McLaren, Chief of Police, Retired, Peterborough Lakefield Community Police