Exploring the use of Hotels as Alternative Housing by Domestic Violence Shelters During COVID-19

Domestic violence shelters present a unique context within the congregate living sector in of COVID-19 pandemic. Shelters supporting women during pandemic had to change service delivery models include housing hotels adhere government restrictions and ensure women, their children, were not homeless. The purpose this study was explore impact hotel use as alternative for experiencing domestic Ontario, Canada. We used interpretive description methodology, including in-depth interviews with 8 using shelter services, 26 workers 5 focus groups 24 executive directors women’s other organizations who serve have experienced violence. identified explored three main tensions at compared shelters: 1) autonomy/independence versus support, 2) better option, only and/or safety concern, 3) adequacy housing. Drawbacks benefits are recommendations highlighted.