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Officials took part in a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the YWCA's Hope program in Lethbridge. (Photo: Lethbridge News Now)

YWCA opens new transitional housing in Lethbridge

Jun 19, 2025 | 9:29 AM

It is being heralded as a major gap-filler in the housing spectrum, helping people transition to more long-term stability.

The YWCA Lethbridge & District has opened its newest housing program, Hope.

CEO Jill Young says women and families coming from emergency shelters can live independently while taking the steps towards a life free from violence.

“It really is that longer transitional housing, around six-to-18 months, that allows people to take some time and build some of those skills and recover as needed,” says Young.

Andrew Malcolm, General Manager of Community Social Development with the City of Lethbridge, adds that there is often a significant gap between people staying in an emergency shelter and securing market rent on their own.

He says a program like this will go a long way in ensuring people do not fall through the cracks.

“They don’t [often] have the skills and supports required to make that jump, so this fills a critical need, and we’re hopeful that the community starts to see the impact of this really important project,” says Malcolm.

The Hope program has 13 beds and, depending on the family makeup, Young says they can accommodate up to 18 people at a time.

The organization provides support such as case management, child minding, and group sessions for life goals and other things that can assist people in transitioning to independent living.

Between the City and the federal government’s Reaching Home program, a little over $600,000 was provided to renovate existing spaces at the YWCA and to bring the Hope program to fruition.

City Councillor Jenn Schmidt-Rempel says this was two years in the making, and she is thrilled to see it finally be completed.

“It means a lot to be able to help women and families facing gender-based violence be able to find a safe and secure spot to start their journey through what the next parts of their lives might look like,” says Schmidt-Rempel.

The Hope program will be gradually accepting intake referrals over the next several weeks.

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