The Executive Director of Iris Kirby House is sounding the alarm over what she calls a “critical” situation involving women and children seeking shelter from domestic violence.

According to Michelle Greene, Iris Kirby House in St. John’s and O’Shaughnessy House in Carbonear are at capacity, and as a result they are experiencing “unprecedented turn aways.”

Greene says they’ve seen a very quick and steep increase in the number of people needing shelter, and while they still try to help by connecting people with supports they are unable to put a roof over their heads.

She cites numbers from Stats Canada indicating an increase in mental health issues. That, combined with the financial difficulties of late and the pandemic, has resulted in what she describes as a “perfect storm.”

If the situation keeps evolving as it is right now, Greene fears the worst could happen.

She fears that there will be a death due to domestic violence or homelessness, noting that has happened in areas across the province.

She says people may think that only happens on the big streets of Vancouver or Toronto, but it is happening here and people need to buy into that.

Children, Seniors, and Social Development Minister John Abbott says government is working with shelters, including Irish Kirby House, to see what the needs are so they can build additional capacity to help women fleeing violence.

As for people who need help immediately, Abbott says those needs will be met.

He says they will reach out to the people who need it and make sure shelter is provided—if that means a hotel room Abbott states they will make that happen.