By Shane Clausing

Odyssey House

Odyssey House operations slowly returning to normal with restrictions eased

Jul 22, 2021 | 5:56 PM

Operations are slowly getting back to normal at Odyssey House in Grande Prairie.

The last 18 months have meant added restrictions and limitations for clients at the shelter. Certain donation items had to be limited, a lack of families being able to attend community events or activities was limited and masking was mandatory in all common areas of the facility, except for the guest rooms.

Since Alberta re-opened on July 1, restrictions at the facility have been relaxed for guests.

Masks are no longer mandatory in most public areas, which Director of Communications at Odyssey House, Makayla Marcotte says is a big positive and helps take the stress off clients.

“They (Alberta Health Services) did loosen some of the restrictions for clients, which is really nice and we’re super appreciative of that,” expressed Marcotte.

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“For our clients, whenever they were in a shared space, they still had to have a mask. The only space they could be in that didn’t require masking was their bedroom, and you aren’t going to spend your entire day in one room in isolation, because that’s also hard on you. It is still recommended they wear masks in communal spaces, but they (AHS) have loosened it for our clients.”

Marcotte adds the mask rule was hard on some clients at Odyssey House as they would have to go to work and potentially be forced to wear a mask all day, then return home and repeat the same routine.

Marcotte says another relief for clients at the facility has been the return of community activities and programs, especially for those who have kids to look after.

“We have a lot more people accessing groups again, childcare is up and running in the community and we are able to get out and enjoy activities around us. We’ve been able to book the Eastlink Centre pool a couple of times because we have a great relationship with Big Brothers Big Sisters.”

Fundraising events are also starting to take place again. Odyssey House says it is planning its annual golf tournament with Sunrise House for later this year.

“Shelters have all had a long year with COVID, so we are excited to partner with them again and help them out too,” said Marcotte.

According to Marcotte, there has also been an increase in those seeking help at Odyssey House, which she adds was expected once the province lifted restrictions on July 1.

Any new information on Odyssey House can be found on their Facebook page.

Donations for needed personal items for clients are always being accepted by the shelter. Odyssey House also reminds people if they are in need of support, to contact them.

Odyssey House 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.