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The CEO of the YWCA Lethbridge & District discusses why the organization is ending a permanent supportive housing program for women, March 20, 2023. (Photo: Lethbridge News Now)

YWCA says lack of funding led to closure of permanent supportive housing in Lethbridge

Mar 20, 2023 | 3:15 PM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – The head of a local non-profit organization said ending a permanent supportive housing program for women in Lethbridge was a difficult, but necessary decision.

YWCA Lethbridge & District CEO Jill Young announced on Friday, March 17, 2023, that the group 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.

The program offers semi-supported living for adult women at below-market rates. Support workers are on site to provide any needed services.

Young said the YWCA had been receiving additional funding from the provincial government since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic to run the program, but that has all dried up now.

She adds that costs went up at the same time that revenues went down.

“With the change in the economy and inflation and how that impacts from a housing and staffing perspective, costs are just becoming that much more expensive,” said Young. “Unfortunately, funding won’t be able to keep up.”

From an operational standpoint, Young said maintaining the permanent supportive housing program has become increasingly difficult as well.

She told Lethbridge News Now that there have a greater number of people in recent years utilizing the program who have more complex needs and require additional wrap-around services.

“We’re seeing a higher need of further supports that are just not within the scope of the YWCA at this time,” said Young.

Young said the YWCA is working with other service providers in the Lethbridge area, which extends as far as Calgary, to see what is available for women who need housing or other supports.

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.

READ MORE: YWCA to end its permanent supportive housing program in Lethbridge

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