The Government of Alberta has funded the creation of 40 new women-only emergency shelter spaces in Calgary’s Beltline, addressing an at-capacity situation for women-only spaces in the city.
The announcement in Calgary followed a similar one made in Edmonton, which created 100 new spaces in that city, which has typically been at capacity for women only and mixed-gender spaces.
The new spaces will be operated by The Mustard Seed out of the former Beltline location for Inn From The Cold.
“We have challenged organizations like the Mustard Seed to come up with unique ways of providing shelter, particularly for Indigenous peoples and for women,” said Jason Nixon, Minister of Seniors, Community and Social Services.
Samantha Lowe, senior director for Shelter Operations at the Mustard Seed, said that the organization has seen a significant increase in the number of women seeking shelter—including women coming to Calgary from other provinces.
“There’s been an astonishing 50 per cent increase in women accessing our shelter within the past year. This surge underscores the urgent necessity for women only shelter,” she said.
“Our new 24/7 Shelter is poised to provide women’s specific services thoughtfully designed to cater to the unique needs of this demographic. From helping with system navigation, to offering housing case management and counseling. We are committed to providing comprehensive wraparound supports to these women.”
The Government of Alberta provided approximately $100,000 for work to prepare the former Inn From The Cold building for shelter use, and is providing $750,000 for operational costs.
