Women’s shelter usage up across Alberta

By KENDALL KING, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter on December 14, 2021.

kking@medicinehatnews.com

The Alberta Council of Women’s Shelters released its 2021 data on Monday.

“Although many aspects of the pandemic have become normalized, the added resources needed to operate a shelter haven’t lessened,” the release read.

Within the release it was reported nearly 67,000 Albertans accessed shelter services between April of 2020 and March of 2021. While there was a decrease in emergency shelter access across the province, there was an increase in access to second-stage shelters as well as outreach programs. The report also highlighted an increase in violence against women and seniors throughout Alberta.

The Medicine Hat Women’s Shelter Society has seen similar trends on a local-level, says executive director Natasha Carvalho.

“It’s sort of what we expected,” Carvalho told the News. “Numbers have gone up and that’s to be expected during a pandemic.”

One of the main differences between the provincial findings and what’s reported by MHWSS is shelter access numbers.

“We’re definitely seeing an increase in outreach services (but) our shelter has been pretty steady so I don’t know that we feel that it’s been quieter,” said Carvalho.

The 2021 Data Release found some individuals affected by family violence chose to stay away from shelters for fear of exposure to COVID-19.

“I think we’ve been able to mitigate some of that by our messaging, but I definitely think that is a concern in some of the bigger centres in terms of their numbers with COVID,” said Carvalho. “Even if you are COVID-positive or symptomatic or whatever it is, if you’re not safe because of the threat of family violence, then please come into the shelter because we will figure it out. We have an isolation unit, we can keep you safe, we can get you tested.”

Data also reflected an increase in access by youth and seniors, which Carvalho confirmed has taken place in Medicine Hat.

“We saw approximately 1,400 people last year and about 400 of those were children,” said Carvalho. “It’s still a sizable amount … We’re (also) seeing seniors reaching out for support.”

Carvalho encourages anyone experiencing family violence to contact MHWSS, especially during the Holiday Season, when individuals often spend more time in the home.

“We’re a very inclusive shelter; women, men, youth, LGBTQ+, seniors, if you’re experiencing family violence, we’re the place to go, we are here to support you,” she said.

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