Danica Hoffart from Central Alberta Women's Emergency Shelter (CAWES) shared an update on how our donation is helping members of our community.  CAWES is currently a 40 bed emergency shelter for women and children where they can stay for 28 days.  While there they have access to support from a crisis team, domestic violence supports, outreach teams and, if needed, childcare.  During 2023 486 adults and 313 children accessed services.  The 15 room shelter had a 96% occupancy rate.  Due to the high demand, 1473 adults and 1014 children were not able to be accommodated and needed support to access shelters and other agencies in other locations.  

Federal funding of $30 million from the federal government was announced in June that will allow expansion of the current facility to 50 emergency beds and 40 transitional housing units.  Phase 1 of this project has begun .  This involves increasing beds to50 and creation of 17 1 and 2 bedroom units that would allow clients to access support for up to 1 year.  The next stage will result in subsidized housing apartments being made available.  

There continues to be a high need for operational funding that will allow women and children to receive needed supports.  CAWES relies on community support to maintain  the only 24 hour shelter in Central Alberta and thanks Rotary for their donation and support.