“Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It’s not.” – Dr. Seuss
Many people and families are struggling these days to obtain the necessities for living, and all of us, regardless of where we live, can help make a difference. Homelessness is one such issue that’s affecting communities throughout Canada, including the Slave Lake area.
The reasons behind homelessness are complex. Poverty is the root cause, but behind that are many possible issues: poor physical or mental health, violence or abuse in the home, lack of employment or income, and a shortage of affordable housing (information from – Raising the Roof: Long-term Solutions for Canada’s Homeless).
Earlier this year Ken Vanderwell, CEO of Vanderwell, accepted an invite from the Town to join the recently established “Slave Lake Homeless Shelter Advisory Committee.” The Vanderwell family and the company have a history of supporting initiatives that promote safe, secure housing for everyone.
More recently, Vanderwell provided a large donation of lumber to the Home for Heroes Foundation that builds homes for veterans, and, of course, Bob and Karen Vanderwell were big funding supporters of Vanderwell Heritage Place for Seniors.
According to a report from 2021, about 155 people in Slave Lake were homeless or housing insecure, where the accommodation is uncertain due to high rental costs, overcrowding, or other issues. Like the rest of Canada and the world, that number has probably increased.
Last September, the Alberta Government announced funds to operate a homeless shelter in Slave Lake on an ongoing basis. As a result, in the fall, a temporary, year-round homeless shelter with 20 spaces for people who are homeless was set up in a trailer on vacant land at the end of 6th Avenue NW, just west of The Gathering Place. Work is now underway to find a location this year for a permanent shelter.
A few years back, working with Town Councillors who have a passion for the homeless, Vanderwell provided seed-funding to help establish the Slave Lake Homeless Shelter. Our company is pleased with recent developments and that operating the shelter is the Town’s responsibility with the province providing the funds.
In any community, there are always people who need a helping hand, and while not all of us have the means to provide financial support, giving of our time — volunteering — sustains all social service organizations.
In the Slave Lake area, many organizations are looking for volunteers. Here are just a few:
- Slave Lake Native Friendship Centre: Volunteers are needed to work in the food Bank, transport food donations from No Frills, Walmart, and Shoppers Drug Mart (volunteers for this position need to provide a truck,) and help organize orders for people to pick up. Call (780) 849-3039 or email executivedirector@slnfc.ca if you can help.
- Family and Community Support Services (FCSS): Most programs offered through FCSS rely on volunteers. You’ll find services for all ages. For example, seniors in the Town of Slave Lake may access Home Support, Income Tax, Snow removal/lawn maintenance. For more information, check out the Seniors Services page or contact the Coordinator through email or phone at 780-849-8031. For all other programs, click here or email fcss@slavelake.ca.
- Community Helpers Program: A suicide prevention program offered by Alberta Health Services that focuses on youth and adults ages 12 and over. Volunteers receive training and go into school and community settings to help reduce the stigma around mental illness and assist in locating the necessary support services. Contact the Coordinator at 780-849-3039 or helpers@slnfc.ca.
- Anyone interested in volunteering to support people and families in need may contact the FCSS offices in the Town of Slave Lake or the Municipal District of Lesser Slave River. Volunteers are also an important part of our health care system. If you’re interested in volunteering with Alberta Health Services in the Slave Lake area, click here for more information.
