Rocky Mountain House organizations have answered the call to potentially provide a winter warming space for vulnerable residents this upcoming winter.
The proposed physical shelter will be located at The Lord’s Food Bank program centre, with support coming from Clearwater Regional Housing Foundation (CRHF), the Mountain Rose Women’s Shelter, the Town of Rocky Mountain House, Clearwater County, local churches, among others.
CRHF, which marks its eighth anniversary this year, has focused on supporting marginalized and lower-income residents in the community, says Kandis Stradecki, interim chairperson of the CRHF.
Stradecki says CRHF came together with leaders from other local organizations in late November to form a working committee, aiming to move forward with what they saw as the need for a warming shelter in Rocky Mountain House.
There have been previous temporary measures during cold weather events, Stradecki adds, including putting people up in hotel rooms, temporary warming spaces, among others.
Back in early November, Rocky town council set aside budget money to help facilitate a center, and put out a call for a local organization to provide space.
David Mark Carter, executive director of The Lord’s Food Bank, emphasized the community’s need and the support from local agencies.
“There’s definitely an increase in need,” says Carter, noting more people are at risk of homelessness due to rising living costs.
He adds the Town’s recognition of this need and its financial support has been a spark to bring agencies together to respond.
The project, still awaiting final approval, aims to offer both warming and overnight shelter to those in need this winter.
After some debate among council, minimum standards were set in place — including a centre that can accommodate up to 20 people, and be open when temperatures dip to -25°C or colder.
The facility would also need to ideally provide access to restrooms, sleeping areas, and be within easy walking distance within town.
Carter says the food bank location can accommodate nearly 50 people in a standing-room capacity, with six to eight beds available for overnight stays.
The executive director of The Lord’s Food Bank says it could accommodate nearly 50 people seeking shelter from the cold. (The Lord’s Food Bank/David Mark Carter)
Now that a space has been proposed, the call is out for volunteers to help keep the doors open.
The Mountain Rose Centre is using its network of local connections to coordinate volunteers. For anyone interested, they can call 403-845-5339, or email Lindsay at lhunt@mrwsa.net.
The need for a severe weather shelter was identified in the town’s recently adopted 2024-2026 Strategic Plan.
Rocky town Coun. Marley Capraro said at least 30 individuals sought shelter during the coldest days of last winter.
While there are a few items to sort out before the warming centre is fully operational, Stradecki is expressing optimism that something will be up and running by this winter.
“We are just finalizing dollars amongst all of the different funding sources and we’ve begun our recruitment for volunteers and our recruitment for staff,” she says. “So we’re certainly moving ahead through the planning.”
The Lord’s Food Bank program centre is located at 4923 52 Street in Rocky Mountain House.
(Mountain Rose Centre)
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