White Calf Shelter, Standoff, AB. (Blood Tribe Department of Health-Facebook page))

By LNN Staff

June 16, 2025

White Calf Shelter to close

Jun 13, 2025 | 1:26 PM

Officials with the Blood Tribe Department of Health have announced the closure of the White Calf Shelter in Standoff on Monday, June 16, 2025.

Officials say the decision was not made lightly, noting a combination of factors.

According to the statement, those factors include the Blood Tribe Administration’s request to return the facility to its original purpose as a community event hall, saying the ongoing financial challenges of maintaining shelter operations have made it no longer feasible to continue running the White Calf Shelter, despite their best efforts to secure sustainable funding.

Originally envisioned as a central community space, officials say White Calf Hall was transitioned into an emergency shelter in December 2022, operated by the Blood Tribe Department of Health at the request of Blood Tribe Chief and Council and BTA

“As we move forward, we remain committed to advocating for sustainable, long-term solutions that ensure our most vulnerable community members have continued access to emergency shelter services and supports on-reserve,” reads the statement from the Blood Tribe Department of Health. “In the immediate term, we are actively working to help connect former shelter guests with the appropriate housing supports and services offered by Blood Tribe Administration. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the dedicated staff whose compassion and hard work made the White Calf Shelter possible.”

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“Your commitment to supporting community members in need has made a lasting impact and will not be forgotten,” the statement continues. “On behalf of the Blood Tribe Department of Health Board of Directors and Executive Team, we sincerely thank the White Calf Shelter and Wellness Program staff for the care you provided to our shelter clients-who are, and always will be, like family. We recognize that this decision affects not only our operations, but also our staff and the Blood Tribe Community.”

“Although the shelter is closing, our focus to provide comprehensive health and wellness programming and services in the community remains unchanged,” the statement goes on to say. “Our team remains dedicated to addressing the critical needs of our community through alternative support mechanisms and ongoing programming.”

For more information about available services and support contact:

• BTDH Community Health: 403-737-3933

• BTDH Wellness Program: 403-737-3883

• BTDH Mobile Medical Unit: 403-737-3888

• Bringing the Spirit Home: 403-737-8600

• Lethbridge Wellness Shelter and Stabilization Unit: 587-612-5356