BRIDGING THE GAP - Shelter Expansion Project

Things have gotten out of control at home and you have decided to make a desperate call for help. It takes all your courage to make that call, but the support worker just told you they don’t have room.

In 2018, that was the unfortunate reality for 1,819 women and children, simply because we did not have room. We desperately wanted to help because we knew that these women were left in an unsafe situation, potentially with their lives in danger.

Our goal was, and still is, to build a new shelter but the current crisis we, and women were dealing with us told us that we had to do something – FAST. We had to figure out a way to Bridge The Gap.

So, in November 2019, we launched our first capital campaign and turned to you for help. We wanted to be able to say, “Yes, we have room here. You will be safe here.” And we are so proud to be here today, saying that because of you, we do have more room. Because of you, our existing shelter received 12 more beds, which means safety for more women and children.

THANK YOU FOR GIVING HOPE A SPACE TO GROW!

This project was completed in phases:

The first phase of this project was to move the administration staff and offices off site to a vacant area in our Youth Centre building. The area was renovated to accommodate for office space and a small kitchen. Our Administration Office is now located at 4201-47 Avenue. The majority of our admin staff is working from home so please phone: 780-808-5282, select an extension and leave a message!

The next phase consisted of renovating the space in the shelter into welcoming bedrooms and change the two washrooms into full bathrooms with bathtubs. New flooring and paint in the basement were also part of this renovation phase.

The final phase included increasing our staffing compliment to prepare for additional clients in the shelter and furnishing the updated bedrooms. Once this was completed, we would be ready to open the renovated basement and accommodate 33 people in our emergency shelter. We have yet to operate at our full capacity but we will be ready to open all 12 bedrooms once it is safe to do so!

Beyond the obvious and most important gift of space and safety, the shelter received a bit of a décor update to recognize all of the amazing donors who made this expansion possible.

A vestibule was added on to the front of the shelter to help maintain confidentiality and provide added security. We added a wall-sized decal to help make the space feel calming and welcoming.

All of the bedrooms (new and old) were given new, uplifting names and we had room signs printed. We hope that the design and positive word above their door give women a feeling of hope each time they enter their room.

All of the new bedrooms are also furnished with new furniture. In each bedroom, there is a framed decal on the wall to recognize the generous donors who made the the new furniture possible.

After seeing how modern the basement looked, we had to give the upstairs a bit of a revamp as well! We did some painting and replaced the flooring. This is the fresh looking kitchen/dining space in the shelter.