Members of the Medicine Hat Women's Shelter Society and guests pose for a photo during a shovel-turning ceremony as they get started on renovations to modernize the Phoenix Safe House Emergency Shelter facility.--NEWS PHOTO BRENDAN MILLER
bmiller@medicinehatnews.com
The Medicine Hat Women’s Shelter Society broke ground toward significant renovations to modernize its emergency shelter Monday.
The 11-bed shelter opened its doors in 1999 and has grown to 30 beds within the original footprint.
“It used to be for 11 beds and maybe 11 staff, and now we have about 25 staff and 30 beds,” said executive director Natasha Carvalho.
The society launched a capital campaign in September with the goal of rising $6 million toward renovations and expanding its current space. The National Housing Strategy and Alberta’s Capital Maintenance and Renewal Program awarded the society $336,300 in April.
“We have the opportunity now to make things better, it’s going to be so wonderful,” Carvalho said. “So we’re really all excited to be able to see the new spaces.”
Plans include the addition of a daycare and laundry facility on the main floor as well as space to hold group gatherings.
Shelter workers say the ease of access to new spaces is important for victims living in a communal environment who are dealing with trauma.
“People are able to have more functionality and accessibility and get around easier,” Carvalho said. “I think that’s going to just make so many things so much better for everybody. And we’re really going to appreciate that.
“Opportunities for independence and dignity, those kinds of things that we can offer to them while they’re staying with us will be wonderful.”
Part of the funding will be used to make needed maintenance renovations to the facility.
“We need to instal a fire suppression system and make sure that everybody is safe, and upgrade the existing HVAC to accommodate the new spaces,” said Carvalho.
Construction and renovations at the women’s shelter are expected to be completed within 18 months.
