Lloydminster Interval Home Society staff were over the moon after a recent $586,993 donation from the Government of Alberta, represented by MLA Garth Rowswell (middle). The funds will support 13 previously unfunded beds while stabilizing shelter operations and providing a safe and supportive environment for individuals and families in need. Taylor Weaver Meridian Source
The Lloydminster Interval Home Society (LIHS) is thrilled to announce a one-time donation of $586,993 from the Government of Alberta to support 13 previously unfunded beds, stabilize shelter operations and provide a safe and supportive environment for individuals and families in need.
“The one-time payment will go a long way to the continuation of our emergency shelter services,” said Interval Home Society CEO Angela Rooks-Trotzuk.
“Women and children will continue to receive the services the community has come to expect from LIHS.”
The LIHS started as an emergency shelter for women and children fleeing interpersonal violence in 1980 and has grown to include second-stage programming for those needing emergency shelter, community-based outreach programming, educational programming, social enterprise, and a recreation-based youth centre.
“We have a history of adapting ourselves to meet community needs and a history of self-sustainability, and unfortunately, the last few years have been harder to maintain that self-sustainability,” she said.
“Post COVID, our volunteer numbers have declined, our social enterprise business has taken a hit, and our ability to fundraise is more challenging.
“Although this experience is not unfamiliar to many non-profits in Alberta, it was new territory for us. For the first time in a long time, we saw ourselves in need of further support from our government of Alberta partners.”
Rooks-Trotzuk also explained the funding came during a time of dire need.
“It means closing beds or staying open, and that’s really where we were at,” she said, noting the LIHS was at a point where they were turning away seven women per day.
“The way we were operating wasn’t sustainable and we needed an infusion of cash from our government supporters, so we went to work advocating, having discussions with MLA Garth Rowswell … we’ve been able to keep these beds open, and our turn-down rate has also gone down; it’s great news.”
Without available beds, Rooks-Trotzuk noted the biggest risk to the community would be women’s safety.
“Ultimately, that’s what it comes down to, keeping women and children safe,” she said.
Read More: Local Lloydminster charities seek donations as demand rises
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