A Community of Stability, Support, and Hope

If you or someone you know needs shelter or support:

24/7 Emergency Shelter Line: 902-436-8943

Email: shelter@lifehousesummerside.ca

How LifeHouse Came to Life

The vision for LifeHouse was born from a single moment—one that revealed the urgent, unmet need for safe shelter and support for women and children in Summerside.

In February 2019, while walking the boardwalk below her home, Margaret (Margie) Fowler encountered a vulnerable young woman in distress who had nowhere to go. It quickly became clear: there was no women’s shelter or transitional housing available in the area. This moment became a turning point—not just for Margie, but for the community.

Together with longtime community volunteer Susan DesRoche, the two began laying the foundation for what would become LifeHouse—a safe haven, a stepping stone, and a symbol of enduring hope.

The name LifeHouse draws inspiration from the lighthouse: a beacon of safety, guidance, and presence in turbulent waters. Like a lighthouse, LifeHouse represents protection, compassion, and steadfast support, especially in the darkest of times.

What started as a grassroots vision has grown into a multi-phase model offering emergency shelter, transitional housing, and permanent affordable housing. LifeHouse is now a cornerstone of BGC Prince County’s housing and wellness strategy—and a testament to what community-led determination can achieve.

The LifeHouse Support Model

The LifeHouse Support Model is a trauma-informed, multi-stage housing and support system designed to meet women and families where they are—offering safety, dignity, and structure at every step of their journey.

It includes:

  • Three housing steps (Emergency Shelter, Transitional Housing, Permanent Housing)

  • Six wraparound support pillars that guide services and care

Why LifeHouse Matters

  • In 2024, 69 women accessed LifeHouse shelter services

  • 86 women were turned away due to lack of space

  • Many residents are young mothers under 30 facing compounding barriers

  • LifeHouse fosters healing, housing, and hope through trust-based relationships and tailored supports

I am so grateful for this place and all of the staff. Out of any place I've been – transition houses, rehab, stable environments – nothing has worked for me. LifeHouse worked. And now to be given this chance and opportunity to move into the new transitional housing unit... It has saved me and my unborn baby. This is the most important part of my journey. So thank you."

— Past Resident

The Three Housing Steps

Step 1: Emergency Shelter

Our 24/7 Emergency Shelter offers a safe, home-like communal space for up to 8 women and children in immediate crisis. While the average stay is short-term (up to 8 weeks), support is tailored case-by-case.

Services include:

  • Secure overnight accommodations

  • Nutritious meals and snacks

  • Laundry and hygiene products

  • Free Wi-Fi

  • Access to enrichment programming (e.g., cooking, art, gardening)

  • Comprehensive case management

  • Transportation support and appointment accompaniment

  • Navigation of legal, financial, housing, and health systems

Our staff offer safety planning and 24/7 support, with expertise in trauma-informed care, housing access, addiction resources, and mental health navigation.

Step 2: Transitional Housing

For families ready to move forward but not yet able to secure permanent housing, LifeHouse offers 10 fully furnished transitional units where women and children can stay for up to 12 months.

Residents receive:

  • Individual case planning

  • Ongoing coaching and mentoring

  • Connection to income supports, employment programs, and childcare

  • Help accessing ID, completing forms, budgeting, and skill development

  • A supportive environment to rebuild routines and long-term goals

Step 3: Permanent Affordable Housing

In 2025, BGC Prince County opened a 24-unit permanent affordable housing complex, offering income-based rent in a stable, family-focused setting. While living independently, tenants can continue to access wraparound services, childcare, youth programming, and LifeHouse support when needed.

This final step ensures that housing security is not the end of the journey—but the beginning of stability and self-reliance.

Shelter Services Include:

  • Beds and safe overnight shelter

  • Meals, snacks, and hygiene products

  • Laundry and Wi-Fi

  • Case management and emotional support

  • Access to housing, legal, financial, and health navigation

  • Enrichment activities and creative programming

  • Transportation as needed (call for details)

The Six Pillars of LifeHouse Support Model

Each phase of housing is supported by a comprehensive, wraparound service model that addresses the complex realities of the families we serve.

Emergency, Transitional & Affordable Housing

  • A structured pathway from crisis to stability—offering safe housing options at every stage.

Empowering Families Through Childcare & Education

  • Access to licensed childcare (including Club Junior), early learning programs, and before- and after-school care ensures children thrive while parents stabilize and grow.

Supporting Children & Youth

  • On-site programming for children and youth includes mentorship, academic support, social-emotional learning, and positive recreation.

Nutrition & Basic Needs Support

  • Residents receive meals, groceries, and essentials. Programs like Project Backpack and the Canadian Tire Breakfast Program support household stability and well-being.

Mental Health & Addiction Prevention

  • LifeHouse offers access to counselling, trauma support, financial literacy training, and prevention resources for issues like addiction, family violence, and burnout.

Economic Impact & Workforce Development

  • Residents are supported through job readiness training, life skills workshops, and social enterprise opportunities to promote financial independence and long-term success.