Furnished With Hope: Church Supports Women’s Transition Housing in British Columbia

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints recently donated furnishings for 18 units at Wilma’s Transition Society’s newly completed third-stage housing project in Chilliwack, British Columbia. This housing project provides critical assistance to women and children transitioning from domestic violence to independent, violence-free living.

Wilma’s Transition Society is a non-profit organization that offers safe, temporary shelter with access to support services for women and children experiencing domestic violence. This third-stage housing program offers goal-based housing and services for women, with or without children, who have moved beyond the crisis phase.

The donation provides essential household items such as bedroom and dining furniture, electronics, small appliances, kitchenware and linens for the third-stage housing complex. It also includes office equipment such as desks and computers for the staff.

The complex includes one- to three-bedroom units and provides long-term, low-income-supportive housing for women who have left abusive situations. “This facility marks a significant milestone in our mission,” said Tammy Desrochers, executive director of Wilma’s Transition Society. “It is a place where those affected by violence can rebuild their lives with the support they need, moving through each stage of recovery, ultimately gaining the independence and stability they deserve.”

Darren Joneson, an Abbotsford British Columbia Stake communication council member and community physician, commented, “There are so many people from all backgrounds who do amazing, caring work for our community. Wilma’s Transition Society especially cares for vulnerable women and children who are often displaced by domestic violence. I was thrilled that the Church was able to help this integral and deserving organization in our community.”

Desrochers added, “Interpersonal violence remains a pervasive epidemic in our society — far too often overlooked and underrecognized. The reality is that one in four women will experience some form of violence in their lifetime, leaving deep, lasting impacts on those who are the victims of violence. This can often lead to homelessness and long-standing trauma, which disrupts basic living. We are deeply grateful to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints for their generous support. Their donation ensures the women and children who come through our doors feel truly at home.”

President Jamie Vermeeren of the Abbotsford British Columbia Stake< praised the project. He said, “It’s a privilege to work with organizations like Wilma’s Transition Society that are actively alleviating suffering and helping people move toward self-reliance.”