The first transitional shelter for Muslim women and children has opened in the province.

Sakeenah Canada’s ninth transitional home, located in St. John’s, is designed to provide safe and accessible housing for Muslim women and children facing domestic violence and homelessness.

Sakeenah Canada executive director Nazish Tayab says a gap exists in the services available in this province.

The local Muslim population has grown tremendously in recent years and, according to Tayab, so has the need.

“Over the years we have received a number of calls from the St. John’s area from women seeking support services,” she says, noting research and discussions with local shelters and organizations determined that “there is definitely a need for Muslim women and children in a shelter space or support services.”

The local Muslim community was left reeling last month following the death of a young mother allegedly at the hands of her estranged husband.

Thirty-six-year-old Ibrahim Alahmad, originally from Syria, has been charged with first-degree murder and kidnapping.

He’s due back in provincial court on May 3.