The Alberta government has committed $8.6 million in capital funding to construct 100 transitional shelter homes at YWCA Calgary’s new Hub facility and says the space will provide support to hundreds of women and children in the city who are fleeing abuse or living in poverty.
Seniors and Housing Minister Lori Sigurdson made the announcement on Monday and says all Albertans deserve a safe place to call home.
“I know from experience that a safe and affordable home can change lives,” she said. “This investment will offer hundreds of women and children a safe place to stay while they find a permanent place to live.”
Construction on the YW Hub is already underway and the facility will feature 100 single suites, with private washrooms, and residents will also have the use of a common kitchen and living space.
A number of programs and services will also be available including; counselling, employment and training and childcare.
“Women in crisis will have the support they need, whatever that is. Whether that’s a safe place to stay while they get their feet under them, someone to lean on and confide in, access to employment and training or somewhere safe to entrust their children while they go to school or to work,” said Sigurdson.
“This is more than a safe place to stay, this is a recovery and the people at the Y are passionate about what they do and it’s warm and it’s inviting, there’s no judgement,” said Michelle, YW transitional housing client. “We all help each other through somehow and sharing our stories makes us better, makes us healthier, finding our voices again.”
The total cost of the project is $60 million and YW Hub is expected to be ready to receive residents in the spring of 2019.
