For many, searching online for community resources is second nature; but for others, it can be intimidating and daunting, especially if they are in a personal state of crisis.  Shelternet.ca is a Canadian non-profit charitable organization, and was first conceived by a small group of anti-violence workers about 8 years ago after realizing there was an opportunity to decrease the barriers faced by women who try and access help online.

In effect, their internet-based solution was to connect women to their local and support shelters.  Last year alone, almost 100,000 Canadian women and children found safety, housing and support in shelters; and, with the demographic reality of our country, one cannot assume that all of these women and children only spoke English or French.  The Shelternet site is presented in 10 languages, and also features information and resources including a clickable map of shelters in Canada, posts poems and stories by women who share their experiences, a kids section, and website development at no charge for shelters who want to develop their own web presence.  The organization also interacts regularly with shelters through local, regional and provincial meetings to obtain feedback on their site and discuss cost effective technology-related ideas and strategies.

On a related note, our friends at Shelternet.ca gave us the heads up of an upcoming performance by Mike Marino (Mike and “The Bad Boyz of Comedy Show” are supporters of Shelternet).  Presented by Platinum Image, Marino will be appearing live for a night of stand-up comedy at the Toronto Centre for the Arts (Yonge and Sheppard area), at 8 pm this coming Saturday, September 20.  The award winning Canadian comics — The Doo Wops (John Catucci and David Mesiano) — will also be joining Mike on stage.  Tickets are available at Ticketmaster by clicking here.