The Brooks and District Women’s Safe Shelter Society planning stages
began in October 1996 and was officially established as a society in
March 1997

24 Hour Crisis Help Line became operational and first crisis counselor was hired in 1998

Brooks Women’s Shelter officially opens crisis beds in 2001

In January 2003 the Brooks and District Women’s Shelter Society opens up Seconds on First thrift store at 107 – 1st West provide added revenue and support services

November 2007 the shelter starts operating in the community as “Cantara Safe House” which translated from Swahili means small bridge