The Lloydminster Men’s Shelter continues to provide a haven for homeless men, six months after its grand opening.
The Shelter was made possible with a partnership of provincial and government grants and substantial monies presented by the real estate industry and the community. The REALTORS® Association of Lloydminster & District (RALD) – including Wainwright and Vermilion- donated $50,000 to the shelter’s renovation. Of that, $40,000 was a grant from the Alberta Real Estate Foundation. That cheque was formally presented to the Lloydminster Social Action Committee in August of this year.
The Foundation – created in 1991 under the auspices of the Real Estate Act – has delivered over $10.4 million in grants to aid the development of more than 350 projects across the province. This particular grant is an excellent match for the Foundation’s focus on affordable housing and shelter for Albertans.
“The REALTORS® Association of Lloydminster & District (RALD) was pleased to offer funding assistance for the shelter initiative from the Lloydminster Social Action Coalition,” said Kathy Harvey, RALD President.
The need for a men’s shelter was identified within the community as a way to provide much needed assistance by helping people integrate back into the community while providing a safe environment.
The shelter was designed as a short-term solution while residents seek more permanent housing, according to Phyllis Tomkins, President of the Lloydminster Social Action Coalition. A total of 104 clients have used the 20-bed shelter since opening in March 2008.
More than 170 toiletries and clothing items have been given to those in need. A nightly dinner is provided to residents through community donations and a continental breakfast is also offered.
“The funds were requested to help with interior and exterior renovations,” Tomkins said. “Without these improvements, the shelter would not be able to operate.”
“The REALTORSof Lloydminster & District support many projects in our communities throughout the year, and we are confident this facility will continue to be an asset for those in need,” Harvey said.
Pictured above (left to right): Brian Smart,Director, Liz Frieser, Director, Kathy Harvey, President, Phyllis Tomkins, Lloydminster Social Action Society President, Eileen Rohs, Executive Officer, and Barb Stewart, Director.
