New emergency shelter offers Christmas dinners to vulnerable Edmontonians

The Care Point Wellness Centre interior on Dec. 23, 2024. (Miriam Valdes-Carletti/CTV News Edmonton)

Edmonton's newest emergency shelter is hosting its first Christmas dinner for those in need.

The Care Point Wellness Centre, located at 14830 124 Ave., opened in October but was met with controversy over it being too far from vulnerable Edmontonians.

Tim Pasma, the director of programs with Hope Mission, said he's seen "a high utilization rate" from the shelter.

"We wanted to add more shelter beds into Edmonton, and especially before this winter, because we knew we would see more people than we've ever seen before, and that's what we've seen. It's been extremely busy," Pasma told CTV News Edmonton on Monday.

Hope Mission provides Christmas meals four times throughout December at their various shelters around the city.

"We really wanted to do a special Christmas dinner with all the fixings, a special turkey dinner, just to welcome everybody that's here to also tell them that … they're worth it, they're dignified and we're supporting them," said Pasma.

He said the heart of the mission is "hope begins with a meal."

The Care Point Wellness Centre has 120 beds available and offers a place to sleep, eat, shower, do laundry and a shuttle to bring people to the premises. It also offers wraparound support and immigration services for those new to Canada.

Some staying at the emergency shelter stated they don't mind how far it is from downtown.

"It's a perfect location because there's not too many temptations for other people," said Tony Blyan, a guest at the shelter.

"I have found respite … most of our basic needs are met and that just allows you to pick yourself up and find the strength to get back on your feet," said Ferdinand Ferdinand, another shelter user. "Even though we're away from family and (at) our lowest points, just being part of something, that puts a holiday cheer in our hearts."

With files from CTV News Edmonton's Miriam Valdes-Carletti