Windsor's Downtown Mission poised to open women's dorm

Homeless women living in Windsor will soon have more than a row of chairs to protect their privacy.

The Downtown Mission will open its women's dormitory and officially launch newprograms aimed at helping some of the city's most vulnerable during a ribbon cutting ceremony Tuesday.

• Homeless shelter expansion planned for Downtown Mission

• Downtown Mission homeless shelter expands to second site

In the past, everyone who slept at the mission would lay on mats on the floor with just a thin chain of chairs to separate men from women, but now director of development Fiona Coughlin said they'll have real beds and a real chance to start again.

"If you're coming in because you've been through some very difficult times, having a little bit of privacy and dignity is just a huge chance for these women," she explained.

Currently about 50 people sleep at the mission each night, including 10 women, according to Coughlin.

The new dorm will have 10 beds, a lounge area, lockers andshowers.

Offering services specifically for women could encourage more to come to the shelter, according to Coughlin, so there's alsoa room where another 10 beds could be placed if necessary.

In the meantime, crews are working to add a few finishing touches to the new dorm, which should officially open on April 3.