Odyssey House Logo (web)

By Liam Verster

supports for victims of domestic abuse

Operations return to Odyssey House shelter after positive case of COVID-19

Jun 16, 2020 | 12:54 PM

Odyssey House, the shelter for woman and children who are victims of domestic abuse, is once again running its operations from the emergency shelter.

The shelter itself was closed after an individual tested positive for COVID-19, though Lisa Watson, Executive Director of Odyssey House, says they didn’t stop offering their services.

“We never really stopped our operations. Ultimately we just had to transition individuals out of the shelter so we could move forward with Alberta Health Services recommendations in regards to cleaning protocols, and making sure we had our PPE in place. So we do have residents back in house, and we are continuing our operations.”

Following the confirmation of the virus within the shelter, all staff and residents were tested, and they all came back negative. The shelter then underwent rigorous cleaning and sanitizing, including disinfecting the H-VAC system, and operations were able to return to the shelter on Friday, June 12.

Watson says during the three days that they were operating outside of the shelter, Odyssey House continued to work with it’s sister shelters, community and provincial partners, and AHS, to make sure individuals were supported off-site.

Meaningful Mementos

Remembering Someone You've Lost at Christmas

Dec 03, 2024

Seasonal Sorrow

How Do You Get Through The Holidays When You're Grieving?

Nov 01, 2024

Upcoming Events at Oliver's

Grief & Loss and Estate Planning Seminars

Oct 02, 2024

“We made sure the safety of not only our residents, but also our staff, was our main priority. So we continued to support in the best way we could, just outside our shelter operations.”

Odyssey House is following the AHS guidelines for cleaning and personal hygiene to prevent another outbreak of COVID-19, and Watson says they have also moved forward for implementing more PPE for both staff and residents.

“Such as masks, gloves when necessary, as well as either goggles or face shields at this point when physical distancing is not possible.”

While their operations are once again being run out of the emergency shelter, Odyssey House also offers supports and services online, including both group and individual supports, which can also be done through video calls. Odyssey House also has a 24-hour crisis line, 780-532-2672, which victims of domestic abuse can call to get more information or access to supports and services.