Abriter
TRANSITIONAL HOUSING FOR PREGNANT AND PARENTING YOUTH
BIG NEWS! WE BOUGHT A HOUSE…
Opening fall 2022
One of the more difficult situations we are regularly faced with, is the desperate need for housing so prevalent within the realm of an unexpected pregnancy. More often than you would expect, continuing a pregnancy means a young woman will face homelessness, be turned away from limited shelters, and perhaps feel forced to take actions and make decisions that she may otherwise be uncomfortable with. It is truly heartbreaking…
We are in the midst of a real housing crisis in Quebec, preceding Covid, yet worse because of it, and young women and their children are struggling, notably in the region of Monteregie. It was clear to our team for quite some time, that God was calling us to take action. We no longer could wait around for someone else to do it- we were to respond. In an effort to care more practically for those we serve, and provide real options when difficult circumstances present, we knew that were to step into this gap sooner than later.
Over the summer months the perfect home, previously run as a senior's residence, presented itself before us (along with many potential obstacles and question marks). The property is well-appointed and located in a peaceful neighbourhood in the heart of Chateauguay. It boasts private accommodations (complete with powder rooms) for 7young women and their children as well as one larger segregated apartment unit, storage galore, and a large fenced-in yard with so much potential… After much consideration and discernment, we knew if it was meant to be, it would be.
And so it was! We have been blown away by the "removal of obstacles", be it the favour we have been granted on a municipal level, the provision of funds to acquire this property, and the rising up of the Director for this home, Nataly Mejia.
We began renovations this week and should expect our first “guests” of our new transitional home later this year.
The project will help young women transition into long-term housing while providing coaching, care and compassion during their stay as we see them empowered into autonomy. More info to come soon, as well as an official "open house” and launch in the fall.
Welcome, to our brand new Abriter Director!
Nataly Meija
ABRITER DIRECTOR/
CHILD EDUCATOR
Nataly has taken on a new role as the director of Options new transitional housing program, Abriter!
Finding support and community were key tools for Nataly when, as an immigrant mother herself, she had to face many challenges with her children upon their integration to Quebec. This experience is what motivated Nataly to join the Options team in 2020, which she feels has been a beautiful, God-given opportunity to give back to the community all the love and compassion she received. She inspired young families to remain hopeful and confident to see their dreams and plans to reality, even thorugh challanges and adversity.
Passionate about working with children as well as young parents who desire to grow in their role, Nataly uses her skills as an educator to encourage the mother-child bond, while also offering them a wealth of opportunities to grow in confidence, competence and care.
Nataly is also a trained member and facilitator of the Parenting Under Pressure program pilot with McMaster University and certified in Mental Health first-aid.