About Coverdale
Supporting People. Strengthening Community. Since 1976.
For nearly five decades, Coverdale Centre for Women has been a place of safety, support, and opportunity in Saint John.
While our roots are in supporting women and female-identifying individuals, our programs have evolved to meet the changing needs of our community. Today, we provide compassionate, trauma-informed services that welcome people of all genders through a range of programs designed to foster stability, healing, and growth.
We believe everyone deserves to be treated with dignity, respect, and compassion. Whether someone is experiencing homelessness, navigating poverty, rebuilding after trauma, or facing other barriers to stability, Coverdale provides the support, resources, and encouragement to help people move toward the future they envision for themselves.
Mission
Our mission is simple:
To work with the community to create a safe environment with empowering opportunities for women and gender-diverse people of all ages.
We are committed to meeting each person where they are, walking alongside them, and providing individualized support that recognizes their unique strengths, experiences, and goals.
Our Story
Coverdale Centre for Women has proudly served the Saint John community since 1976. Over the years, our organization has grown alongside the changing needs of the people we serve. What began as support for women navigating the justice system has evolved into a continuum of care that includes emergency shelter, transitional housing, community programming, life skills development, and individualized case management.
As housing challenges, poverty, mental health concerns, and other complex social issues have grown, so too has our commitment to providing responsive, compassionate services for individuals across our community.
Today, Coverdale continues to evolve while remaining grounded in the same belief that has guided us from the beginning: everyone deserves the opportunity to heal, grow, and thrive.
Our Approach
At Coverdale, we understand that every person’s journey is different. There is no single path forward, which is why our approach is person-centred, trauma-informed, and built on trust. We work alongside each individual to understand their goals and connect them with the programs, resources, and supports that best meet their needs.
Whether someone needs emergency shelter, transitional housing, life skills programming, or simply someone who will listen without judgment, we strive to create a welcoming environment where people feel safe, respected, and empowered to move forward at their own pace.
Our Values
Dignity
Treat every person with dignity, compassion, and respect.
Growth
Believe in every individual's capacity for healing, growth, and change.
Quality
Provide high-quality, person-centred services.
Integrity
Foster integrity, accountability, and professionalism.
Trust
Build trusting relationships through empathy, open communication, and mutual respect.
Learning
Continuously learn, adapt, and innovate to better serve our community.
These values shape every interaction, every program, and every decision we make.
Looking Forward
The need for safe housing and supportive services continues to grow throughout our community. Coverdale remains committed to expanding access to housing, support, and opportunities by strengthening partnerships, developing innovative solutions, and ensuring people have the resources they need to build lasting stability.
When people thrive, families are stronger, communities are healthier, and everyone benefits.
We are proud to stand alongside the people we serve and grateful to the partners, donors, volunteers, and community members who make this work possible every day.
Together, We Make a Difference
Meaningful change happens when a community comes together. Whether you’re seeking support, making a donation, volunteering your time, or partnering with us, you play an important role in helping women build stronger futures.
