A long campaign by for much-needed second-stage housing for women and children in the 91原创 area is close to success, with an announcement expected in the near future, according to Maureen Berlin, the group鈥檚 executive director.

While she could not provide details, Berlin said she was 鈥�100 per cent confident鈥� the long-sought housing will become a reality later this year.

鈥淚t鈥檚 good news,鈥� Berlin told the 91原创 Advance Times in a Monday, Jan. 23 interview.

鈥淭here鈥檚 no doubt it鈥檚 91原创鈥檚 turn鈥�

Ishtar, with the support of both 91原创 City and Township councils, as well several local non-profit groups, has been pressing the provincial government to establish second-stage housing, which provides longer-term accommodation for women and children fleeing domestic violence.

Because 91原创 is the only community of its size in the region that doesn鈥檛 have second-stage housing, Ishtar has to try and place women and children in second-stage housing in other communities.

鈥淭he whole focus is, 鈥榳here on earth will they go next?鈥欌�� Berlin summarized.

鈥淲e have to rely on all our neighbouring communities.鈥�

READ ALSO: Ishtar seeks 91原创 Township help to secure more housing

Second-stage housing would provide affordable apartments or townhouses where women and children could live for up to 18 months with support from counsellors and other Ishtar staff.

During a presentation to Township council last June, a staffer from Ishtar noted that the society has had to turn away hundreds of women and children because they didn鈥檛 have the space for them in their transitional housing.

READ ALSO: 鈥業t鈥檚 time to say it鈥檚 our turn鈥� 鈥� new director at 91原创鈥檚 Ishtar Housing Society

There are currently two shelters in the 91原创 area that are meant to house women and children for about 30 days, one with 10 beds, one with 12.

They can reached at 604-530-9442 (Ishtar Transition House) or 604-857-5797 (Libra Transition House).

READ ALSO: More facilities for women in need as Ishtar gets a new office space

Last September, Ishtar opened a new outreach facility at 103-20457 Fraser Hwy. with washroom and shower space clothes, snacks, and access to community-based victim services programs, an outreach program for women and children looking for housing and legal support, a domestic violence liaison program, and support for women at risk of or experiencing violence.

READ MORE: Peace tree takes root in Ishtar