ATHABASCA – Athabasca County’s only homeless shelter saw a sharp rise in patrons during its 2024-2025 operating season amidst a series of other changes, including new health care strategies at the provincial level and an increase in federal funding.
In 2023-24, the Athabasca Cares Community Housing Society (ACCHS) saw 21 people walk through its doors in need of a place to spend the night. This year, more than 35 individuals used the shelter’s services, an increase that could be tied to multiple factors according to the society’s new director.
“One of the reasons would be economic hardship, the second reason would be help with food assistance, which people were really struggling with, and the third was housing assistance, whether that was due to substance abuse or mental health” said Simone Fisher, ACCHS’s executive director.
“Although we can’t fix a lot of these problems that are happening, we would still like to provide the best support for our clients that we possibly can, and we help our community of course.”
According to data collected by ACCHS, 80 per cent of the shelter’s clients need immediate access to shelter, 60 per cent are facing economic hardship, 50 per cent were unsheltered prior to staying, over 40 per cent require food assistance, and 30 per cent have a disability or medical condition. Two-thirds of users identified as Indigenous.
Fisher was brought on board in the fall of 2024, with the society hiring its first paid director thanks to government grant funding and the support of the Athabasca community as a whole. Following her arrival, ACCHS was also able to increase its shelter hours to 24 hours a day during its operating season, which runs from Nov. 1 to April 1. The change in hours meant the shelter was open for an extra 1,080 hours compared to its previous season.
“That has definitely been a benefit; even just from the feedback we’ve received through staff and volunteer surveys, 100 per cent of the staff agreed that increasing the operational hours to 24/7 was highly impactful for the local community and clients,” said Fisher.
With the increase in funding, Fisher said the shelter was better able to the critical supports clients needed, including food and emotional support. Thanks to the greater Athabasca community, the shelter was able to provide a variety of services for clients, including a free legal clinic from Kate Nunn’s law office, meals, and winter items.
Despite the continued support, ACCHS hasn’t reached its long-term goal of having the shelter open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 52 weeks a year.
“The most important improvement for ACCHS is to increase our operational hours to extend for the entirety of the year, because right now we’re only open during the winter season,” said Fisher.
Now that the operating season has wrapped up, the society has started its preparations for next year. The annual AGM has been held, ACCHS is taking part in the ongoing discussions surrounding housing in the area, and staff are working on plans to increase community engagement.
“We have a, “What is a bed?” campaign coming up soon that we’re really excited to launch,” said Fisher.
A shelter tour is also taking place on July 29, which Fisher hopes will help raise awareness. For questions regarding donations or how to get involved, ACCHS can be reached at [email protected].
