By Sam Borsato - @BorsatoSam on Twitter

Lethbridge to learn what it’s like to have “no fixed address”

May 1, 2017 | 5:47 AM

LETHBRIDGE – There’s still plenty of time to join the third annual “No Fixed Address” fundraiser, in support of local YWCA housing programs.

Participants are challenged to gather donations, then sleep in their car in the Exhibition Park parking lot from the evening of May 5 to the morning of the 6th, raising awareness for Lethbridge’s homeless population.
Jennifer Lepko, Lethbridge YWCA CEO, says it’s a truly eye-opening experience that shows how hard living in your car can be when that’s your only option.

“We don’t see [homelessness] necessarily as much as we might see it in large cities. But we have a shortage of affordable housing in the city. We have people that experience a number of factors in their lives that limit them in terms of accessing good housing, or maintaining housing.

“Without an address it’s hard to find employment, and without employment it’s really hard to find a home,” she continued. “Finding a location that they can afford — with any sort of assistance — is still very difficult. It’s expensive to live, and many time we see individuals who can afford the rent, but then are really struggling to put food on the table.”

Lepko noted that fundraising efforts for the event struggled last year, due to the poor economic climate. But she hopes to raise $25,000 this year to support the YWCA’s Hestia Homes, Women’s Residence, Girls with Tools and Outreach programs.

What's Happening in Lethbridge this weekend: April 19, 2024

6h ago

What's Happening in Lethbridge this week: April 15, 2024

Apr 15, 2024

Week-in-review: Street sweeping, policing in Coaldale and #SlowYourRoll

Apr 13, 2024

She added that there are already more participants registered than any of the last two years. Participants are encouraged to raise $100 as an individual, or $300 as a team.

“Even if you show up on May 5, come with a registration form or we’ll have them there,” Lepko said with a smile. “Part of this whole event is the awareness, too, the understanding and the compassion we need to have for people in difficult situations… It’s an easy registration process, so if you can do it in advance it makes things a little simpler, but we’ll take it any time.”

You can register online at the YWCA website, or by calling 403-329-0088.