Calgary, Alberta – (June 21, 2013): Last night 10 women and 10 children, who have recently fled family violence were evacuated last night from the YWCA Sheriff King Home shelter in low-lying Inglewood. The women spent the night securely in a community church hall in the city’s Northwest.

When Calgary Police arrived YWCA officials expressed concern about taking these vulnerable individuals to mass evacuation centres, starting a chain of fan out calls. One pastor responded immediately by opening the facility doors. The name and location are not being disclosed at this time in order to protect the evacuees.

Depending on assessments to be made this morning, in conjunction with emergency officials and the availability of support services including transportation, its anticipated the evacuees and YWCA trauma staff will investigate additional options for accommodations today.

YWCA Sheriff King Home remains closed Friday and all family violence counseling programs offered from that facility are suspended until further notice.

At the YWCA of Calgary’s Downtown location, the following services and programs are closed due to access restrictions:

  • Childcare
  • ParentLink Centre
  • Vermilion Energy/YWCA Employment Resource Centre
  • All English language programs
  • Canadian Employment Skills program
  • Fitness on 5th

The YWCA Childcare Centre at Bow Valley College is closed as well.

YWCA’s downtown residence for homeless women and their children, Mary Dover House, remains operational and full to capacity with 89 women and 11 children.

The YWCA appreciates the bravery and patience of the women and families we serve as well as our committed staff as we and the Calgary community face this unprecedented emergency.

In keeping with the City’s request to avoid unnecessary travel, donations are not being accepted in person at this time. Donations are gratefully accepted online at www.ywcalgary.ca

Status updates will also be available online.

 

About the YWCA of Calgary:

As the YWCA of Calgary moves into the next 100 years of serving women, we continue to adapt to their changing needs in the city. Serving more than 8,700 clients in 2012, across a continuum of more than 30 programs and services, from housing and shelter to counselling, education, and outreach supports, the YWCA is focused on empowering women, and their families, to move from a place of vulnerability to one of hope and resilience. For more information, visit ywcalgary.ca

For information and interview inquiries please contact:

Elsbeth Mehrer
Director, External Relations, YWCA of Calgary
Phone: 403.809.4168 | Email: emehrer@ywcalgary.ca

Carla Link
Manager, Communications, YWCA of Calgary
Phone: 587.228.8663 | Email: clink@ywcalgary.ca 

 

Press Release_YWCA Family Violence Shelter evacuated_June 21, 2013