The Wapiti House in Grande Prairie (Photo: Abby Zieverink / EverythingGP staff)

By Abby Zieverink

Rural Homelessness

Local municipalities hope to ‘get to the root of rural homelessness’ with open house sessions

Jan 6, 2022 | 12:24 PM

Local municipalities are partnering to host a set of open houses in hopes of “getting to the root of rural homelessness” in the region.

Family and Community Support Services (FCSS) in the County of Grande Prairie, along with the Towns of Beaverlodge, Sexsmith, and Wembley have partnered together to host a duo of open house sessions set for January 20 and 25.

During the 2020 Rural Homelessness Estimation, 42 of the 52 residents surveyed identified as homeless or housing insecure.

Coree Ladwig the Adult and Senior Programming Team Lead with the County of Grande Prairie FCSS says they are beginning to understand the reality of what housing insecurity looks like in the region.

“Quite often in rural communities is not just people living on the street, but really its people who struggle to pay their rent or spend a major portion of their household income on housing, or they will move from one place to another needing to stay with friends or relatives, so we hear it looks a little bit different as we do not have shelters as in the county.”

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

She adds following the consultation they hope to develop a local task force meet-up.

“Made up of those who have experienced housing insecurity in the rural communities and local service providers to really support the development of safe and effective solutions.”

Open house sessions include:

• Thursday, January 20: Beaverlodge Community Centre from 4:00 p.m.- 8:00 p.m.
• Tuesday, January 25: Wellington Resource Centre in Clairmont from 4:00 p.m.- 8:00 p.m.

Ladwig explains these open house sessions will see a high focus on individual discussions without a formal agenda, and residents across the region are invited to take part.

“This is open to all County residents as well as anyone living in the rural communities, including Beaverlodge, Sexsmith and Wembley surrounding the county of Grande Prairie.”

No registration is required, however following provincial COVID-19 regulations, room capacity will be monitored, and masking and physical distancing will be required.

Those who are unable to make the in-person sessions, residents are asked to contact Centre Pointe to arrange one-on-one conversations.