The YWCA Lethbridge & District will no longer provide its Permanent Supportive Housing Women's Residence Program as of March 31, 2023. (Photo: Lethbridge News Now)

By David Opinko

YWCA to end its permanent supportive housing program in Lethbridge

Mar 17, 2023 | 3:41 PM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – A supportive housing operator in Lethbridge will soon no longer offer the service.

The YWCA Lethbridge & District has announced that it has chosen to not pursue a new contract for its Permanent Supportive Housing Women’s Residence Program after the current contract ends on March 31, 2023.

CEO Jill Young said in a news release that, “This was an extremely difficult decision that we know impacts multiple facets throughout our community.”

“Our housing first and harm reduction approaches are about supporting women where they need us most,” Young adds. “However, the constraints of the program model and associated available funding do not allow us to meet the complex needs of each of these women on a sustainable basis.”

The YWCA Permanent Supportive Housing Women’s Residence Program offers semi-supported living for women and children to rent at below-market rates. Support workers are on site to aid the residents of the YWCA’s 30 units.

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Young said the organization is working with its funding partners and other permanent supportive housing providers to ensure a smooth transition for residents in the downtown building.

She acknowledges that this is a difficult time for their team, but she looks forward to collaborating with her sector colleagues to meet the ever changing needs of vulnerable women.

The YWCA Lethbridge & District said there will be no changes to any of its other programs.

This means the organization will continue to provide support for women and families fleeing domestic abuse through the YWCA Harbour House and provide support to people aged 17-24 in the Hestia Homes programs.

Lethbridge News Now has reached out to the YWCA for comments. The City of Lethbridge said it will not be commenting at this time.

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