This month, Sakeenah Foundation celebrates the two-year anniversary of the opening of its shelter for Muslim women in London, Ontario, in February 2021.

The shelter accommodates up to 14 women and children. Sakeenah Shelter is affiliated with the (Sakeenah Homes) organization, headquartered in Mississauga.

This non-profit organization had previously supported Muslim women in London, Ontario, for two years through its virtual counseling services, but then began receiving calls from women needing shelter.

In a media interview, Zeina Chowdhury, the organization's director, said the calls started coming from women who were in other shelters.

According to her, some explained that they had been abused and confirmed, "I have nowhere to go. I do not feel comfortable in this shelter. I cannot pray here. When I fast during Ramadan, I cannot get food before sunrise or after sunset."

She added: "Because of all these different issues, our organization secured a large separate house in a London neighborhood that can accommodate up to 14 women and their children."

In an interview, Yasmin Mardley, director of the "Sakeenah" Shelter for Muslim women in London, Ontario, explained that before starting her work at the shelter, she had volunteered at several associations in London and its suburbs.

She said the women run the shelter as if they were in their own home. "But there are rules," she added. The shelter can accommodate non-Muslim women.

Although the shelter is designed for Muslim women, it will serve any woman in need of assistance.

The organization, founded in 2018, provides temporary shelter for Muslim women and their children in Toronto, Mississauga, Brampton, and Ottawa.

Ms. Chowdhury said: "Our expertise lies in providing services that are religiously and culturally considerate to Muslim women and children." The organization also helps women with job applications, securing legal assistance and reconciliation services, and obtaining spousal support.

The organization, founded in 2018, provides temporary shelter for Muslim women and their children in Toronto, Mississauga, Brampton, and Ottawa.

Ms. Chowdhury said: "Our expertise lies in providing services that are religiously and culturally considerate to Muslim women and children." The organization also helps women with job applications, securing legal assistance and reconciliation services, and obtaining spousal support.

We understand these subtle cultural and religious differences. We were established due to a lack of services concerning domestic violence and social services for these women," she said, adding that most women the organization assists face domestic violence from their husband or a family member.

There are other women who cannot cover their expenses, and some who have just arrived in Canada and have nowhere to go.

Zeina Chowdhury said that during the COVID-19 pandemic, Sakeenah received emergency financial support from the Canadian government, but it does not receive any government funding for the London shelter, although it received a $50,000 grant from the charitable organization (Penny Appel Canada).

The shelter is located near grocery stores, schools, and bus lines because most of the organization's clients do not have cars.

In July of last year, the Sakeenah organization in London benefited from financial support of $245,593 over two years.

This assistance will be allocated to providing shelter at the London shelter and remote social work services for women from diverse cultural, racial, and religious backgrounds who need safety and support.