Victoria Women's Transition House

Since its inception in 1974, the Victoria Women's Transition House Society has grown from a small collective running a drop-in centre to an organization with five facilities, over 50 staff and close to 70 volunteers. The Victoria Women's Transition House Society was born from the Victoria Women's Centre. This organization grew out of the objectives of the University of Victoria Women's Caucus and the Status of Women Action Group. The Women's Centre was planned and initiated by a group of six women, with funding from a federal grant. From May 1971 until September 1972, a drop-in, referral and resource centre was operated for the Victoria community. The first emergency shelter opened in 1974 and was located in an older home which eventually became much too small and in need of repair to meet the needs of women leaving abusive relationships. In September 1991, after several years of intensive fundraising which included generous donations from service, church and community groups, as well as funding from GO BC Lottery Funds, various Foundations and Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, a new $500,000 facility was opened.