For those fleeing domestic violence, a “bed” is a lot more than just a piece of furniture.
That’s the message from Mountain Rose Centre in Rocky Mountain House as it prepares to go from 28 beds down to 21 staring April 1, 2025. What does it mean to lose a bed? To the community, it says the answer is much more than the loss of a piece of furniture. It’s about losing a space of refuge, security, and hope.
“A bed isn’t just a place to sleep,” says Rebecca Zezula, executive assistant and relief crisis worker at the Mountain Rose Centre. “For the women and children we serve, a bed represents security, stability, refuge, and a safe, private space to escape from abuse. It’s a place of belonging and personal dignity, a place where they can rest, heal, and take a step toward living free of violence.”
In short, she says, beds save lives.
For many, she says, it’s the first chance they’ve had in a long time to sleep without fear, to find peace in a personal space that’s just theirs.
The shelter had received $1.4 million to fund the additional seven beds when the provincial government temporarily increased funding for the 2024 fiscal year. However, the incremental funding was not sustainable and was considered a one-time investment, and the centre will now return to its previous capacity of 21 beds.
Given the already high demand for services, Zezula says the implications are significant.
“We were already turning away 556 women and 311 children last year,” she said. “With less beds available, that number will increase, and violence is on the rise with [the state of] the economy,”
Cindy Easton, executive director of the Mountain Rose Centre, had previously pointed out the strain these turnaways put on the organization. “We’re full all the time,” she said. “Every day, there are people who desperately need help, but there just isn’t enough room. The reduction to 21 beds will only make that situation worse.”
Despite challenges, the centre remains focused on its mission to provide support to survivors of domestic violence. The shelter is not just a place to stay—it’s a critical part of the community’s safety net, offering more than just a roof over people’s heads. “We have committed staff and a committed board of directors and we’ll figure it out,” said Easton.
However, Zezula says the Mountain Rose Centre has been heartened by donations of grocery cards, clothing, and household items, as well as contributions to their fundraisers. One of the key events coming up is the Centre’s 35th Anniversary Relay at Curtis Field the end of May, where the community can rally behind the shelter’s work.
The public can find out more about the walk and about support by donating directly via the shelter’s website.
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