Community support and affordable housing: how investing in women reduces incarceration, strengthens communities, and saves public dollars.
Racialized women represent the fastest-growing group in Canada’s incarcerated population, a trend rooted in long-standing inequities that continue to shape society. An estimated 82 per cent of incarcerated women are jailed for behaviours linked to poverty, trauma, and mental health. These well-documented patterns are a reflection of systems failing to provide support that meet the needs of the community. Elizabeth Fry Toronto works at this critical intersection, providing programs that connect women and gender-diverse individuals to the supports necessary to rebuild their lives with dignity.
Addressing the root causes of incarceration
The path from incarceration to stability is complex, and racialized women face disproportionate barriers. In 2024, 7,455 individuals were released from provincial prisons without a fixed address, many having lost housing and income during incarceration, further compounded by the inability to secure employment and housing due to the stigma of a criminal record. Vulnerable individuals become trapped in a cycle of poverty and reoffend to survive their circumstances.
Elizabeth Fry Toronto is directly confronting these inequities. The charity is near finishing its affordable housing development, which will provide 32 apartments for women and gender-diverse individuals, recognizing that stable and barrier-free housing is key to successful reintegration and reduced recidivism. Recent estimates show that supportive housing costs seven times less than a jail bed, making a compelling case for saving taxpayer dollars.
To further support stability and economic opportunity, Elizabeth Fry offers free record suspension, removing the barriers that limit chances to meaningful employment, volunteer, and educational opportunities.
Gender-based violence and criminalization
Women’s criminalization cannot be separated from their experiences of violence. Research shows that 86 per cent of federally incarcerated women have been physically abused, and 91 per cent of Indigenous women have experienced sexual or physical abuse. Many become criminalized for acts of self-defence or engaging in survival strategies while attempting to flee violent situations.
Elizabeth Fry addresses these realities through programs that aim to improve access to the critical supports needed to leave or avoid abusive relationships. Their Just in Time program combines evidence-based and trauma-informed practices to deliver financial literacy training that helps participants recognize financial abuse, develop safety plans for exiting, and build long-term stability.
Breaking these cycles of trauma, poverty, and incarceration is possible, but requires community investment. Consider making a donation to Elizabeth Fry Toronto and supporting their vital work helping communities find hope, strength, and justice.
Visit Elizabeth Fry Toronto to learn more, and make a donation this holiday season.
