Building hope

New fund launched to support transitional housing for women

Anew partnership between Alternatives for Women and The County Foundation aims to help create safer, more accessible transitional housing for women and families rebuilding their lives after violence and crisis.

The organizations have announced the creation of the Alternatives for Women Fund, a new agency fund administered through The County Foundation that will support a capital campaign to build a new transitional housing facility in Prince Edward County.

The fund will provide a dedicated way for donors to contribute to the project, while allowing donations to be invested and managed through The County Foundation to help strengthen the long-term impact of the campaign.

“We are thrilled to establish a fund with The County Foundation and have community-rooted support that will help ensure a longterm impact for survivors in PEC,” said Julie Watson, executive director of Alternatives for Women. “Our vision for the new transitional housing is truly a home of hope and healing, ensuring survivors have a transitional home that is dignified, accessible and safe.”

Fundraising efforts are already underway and have generated early momentum, including $100,000 raised to date. That total includes a $50,000 matching contribution from a donor-advised fund held at The County Foundation, which helped spur additional community giving.

Alternatives for Women is also leveraging its current building as part of the project as the existing facility faces ongoing repair and maintenance challenges.

Emily Cowan, board chair of Alternatives for Women, said the project responds to a growing local need.

“Intimate partner violence continues to be a real and pressing issue in Prince Edward County—one that has been identified as a growing concern in The County Foundation’s most recent Vital Signs report,” said Cowan. “It is a significant policing challenge in Prince Edward County, with over 300 reported cases in 2025. This fund is an important step toward responding to that reality, and we hope our community will stand with us in supporting and growing this critical investment.”

Dominique Jones, executive director of The County Foundation, said agency funds can help charities balance immediate fundraising goals with long-term sustainability.

“Working with an organization like Alternatives for Women on this new fund allows us to support their mission to end gender-based violence and further amplify the work they do—including advocacy, education, and support to empower women locally,” Jones said.

Donations to the fund can be made through The County Foundation’s CanadaHelps page by selecting the Alternatives for Women Fund from the dropdown menu.

Founded in 2008, The County Foundation has facilitated more than $10 million in grants throughout Prince Edward County and is one of more than 200 community foundations across Canada.