"Housing Makes First Step Possible"

OHSWEKEN - Gayenahawasra is a Cayuga phrase, loosely translated to mean helping ourselves.

And when the first families move in to the Gayenahawasra home in the months to come they will be doing exactly that.

Gayenahawasra is a transition home, where single-parent families can take the step towards independence from abusive relationships.

After years of work, the eight-unit complex near the centre of Ohsweken was to officially open today.

The facility will supply much needed transition housing to families and single women trying to sort out parts of their lives.

There are four unfurnished units in each of two buildings. The families share a fenced courtyard that contains an elaborate play structure.

"It's wonderful," said Carol Health, the new home's supervisor.