‘Make a vital difference’: Lethbridge shelter expansion nearing completion

A Lethbridge shelter is increasing capacity to more than 200 spaces. The project to help the vulnerable population is nearing completion.

A ‘significant’ project to help Lethbridge’s vulnerable population is nearing completion.

Crews are in the final stages of construction of the Lethbridge Wellness Shelter and Stabilization Unit expansion.

“It will make a vital difference here within the city of Lethbridge,” said Suzanne Buchanan, director of the Lethbridge Wellness Shelter and Stabilization Unit with the Blood Tribe Department of Health.

The new 16,000-square-foot facility will allow 200 beds to be set up for those experiencing homelessness—an increase from the current 120 spaces being offered.

“The way it was designed was so that individuals who are struggling and experiencing homelessness have a nice, comfortable place to stay,” said Robin James, CAO of the Lethbridge Housing Authority.

“We want them here, we want them to be secure, but we also want to transition them through the housing continuum and get them to where they need to go in a recovery-focused housing lens.”

Anywhere between 150 to 250 clients use the shelter every day.

The new building will include washrooms and showers and expanded bin room for personal items to be stored and more accessible for people with physical disabilities or mobility challenges.

The facility was designed with half-walls for staff to be able to monitor cameras and keep an eye on clients while sleeping, along with foot patrols.

“Right now, because the space is so tight, they have to remove the mats from the space in the mornings, get the area prepped again and then try to do some programming in that same space. ... So now, the shelter will provide both services,” said James.

Once construction is complete on the $5-million expansion, the current shelter facility will be renovated into office spaces for supports and programming.

“Now that we have other space that we can dedicate to programming, we can increase our programming and start to look at what else is really needed for the people accessing our services within the city of Lethbridge,” said Buchanan.

“So, whether that be housing-focused, medical-focused, recovery-focused, we really are here to help people on an individual basis.”

She said that will be key to implementing the recovery-focused model.

“We provide them with emergency shelter, but then what does that person need? You know, some people need to find work, some people need to find housing, some people need to find medical care, some people need to find a road to recovery (and) if they want to go off to treatment, detox,” said Buchanan.

Despite supply chain challenges and construction delays pushing the opening date to the end of April, Buchanan said the wait will be worth it in the end.

“Seeing 250 people here at our max capacity… those are people,” she said.

“They’re humans and they deserve, as citizens, to have access to the services as well. So, yes, it’s a big price to pay; however, we’re looking at the sustainability of not only just for now but five to 10 years down the road.”