New Calgary crisis shelter offers space for women, children and pets fleeing domestic violence
YW Calgary says its new crisis shelter doubles its capacity to help victims of domestic violence.
The organization celebrated the shelter's grand opening on Wednesday.
The new building offers 80 spaces for women, children and – for the first time in the organization's history – pets.
"What a special day for what we are going to do for this community, and for the women and children and their pets," said Sharon Carry, board chair of YW Calgary.
The previous crisis shelter operated by the YW Calgary had a 40-person capacity.
"For over 40 years the former shelter, known as YW Sheriff King Home, provided safety and security for thousands of women and children fleeing domestic violence. That aging facility had not only reached the end of its functional life but was also lacking the flexibility required to address the changing needs, experiences, and diversity of the Calgary community," officials said in a news release.
Instead of renovating the old shelter, YW Calgary opted move forward with a $50 million expansion plan to build at a new site in Inglewood.
"Tearing it down and starting over and doubling the capacity was the right thing to do," said Carry.
The YW now operates three buildings at its new location to serve select purposes: the new crisis shelter is the first intake shortly after leaving an abusive situation, the Hub has space for 100 singles, and the Taylor Family Home is an affordable housing space with 19 women and 70 children residents since the building opened in May.
Families will move into the crisis shelter next week. Officials expect it will already be at capacity.
"It will be a building that will meet them where they're at, which is a moment of crisis and often the darkest days of their lives. And so it will change their lives, because there's a team here to help them," said Sue Tomney, CEO of YW Calgary.
Tomney says the new shelter incorporates "trauma-informed design" with natural light, accessible halls, kitchen amenities and outdoor play spaces.
"Space matters, and particularly space that is inviting, where they can have private time, community time and they can have outdoor time," said Tomney.
The latest building project received funding from various sources including $11 million from the federal government and $2.2 million from the province's Arts, Culture and Status of Women ministry.
The YW of Calgary is still looking to raise the remaining $2.8 million from the community to cover the cost of the latest crisis shelter project.
Organizers say the need for multiple levels of support for domestic violence continues to grow as the city's population increases, "which is why this building is also so important" added Tomney.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
DEVELOPING 122 active wildfires burning across Canada, 32 considered 'out of control'
The 2024 wildfire season has begun, and it's shaping up to follow last year's unprecedented destruction in kind, with thousands of square kilometres already consumed.
B.C. parents sentenced to 15 years for death of 6-year-old boy
A British Columbia Supreme Court judge has sentenced the mother and stepfather of a six-year-old boy who died from blunt-force trauma in 2018 to 15 years in prison.
Veteran TSN sportscaster Darren Dutchyshen has died
Veteran TSN broadcaster Darren 'Dutch' Dutchyshen, one of Canada’s best-known sports journalists, has died. He was 57. His family says 'he passed as he was surrounded by his closest loved ones.'
Miller scores late as Canucks grind out 3-2 win over Oilers in Game 5
J.T. Miller scored in the final minute of the game and the Vancouver Canucks came back for a 3-2 victory over the Edmonton Oilers in Game 5 of their second-round playoff series Thursday.
Think twice before sharing 'heartbreaking' social media posts, RCMP warn
Mounties in B.C. are urging people to think twice before sharing "heartbreaking posts" on social media.
Police issue Canada-wide warrant for Regina homicide suspect
Police have issued a Canada-wide warrant for a man wanted in a homicide which occurred in Regina on May 12.
Trudeau calls New Brunswick's Conservative government a 'disgrace' on women's rights
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau assailed New Brunswick's premier and other conservative leaders on Thursday, calling out the provincial government's position on abortion, LGBTQ youth and climate change.
Kevin Spacey receives star support as he fights to get his career back
Kevin Spacey is pushing back on the 'rush to judgment' against him and is being backed by some big names as he seeks to reclaim his acting career.
Speaker cuts ties with Sask. Party, alleges he faced threats, harassment from gov't MLAs
The Speaker of the Saskatchewan Legislature Randy Weekes has severed ties with the Sask. Party after accusing some members of harassment and intimidation tactics, including a situation he claimed saw the Government House Leader bring a hunting rifle to the legislative building.