It's been a long time coming, but a day shelter for those experiencing domestic violence is expected to open in the New Year.

First announced more than a year ago, the day shelter faced several delays due to permit, construction, and funding issues.

Work officially got underway on the day shelter in September and it was anticipated it would open in November in time for Family Violence Prevention Month.

However, Crystal Boys with Airdrie P.O.W.E.R. says unfortunately things did not go as planned.

"We had a massive delay in November, but things have picked up again and things are going fast and strong. We do hope to be open in January," says Boys. "It's frustrating because we wanted to be open now because we see an influx of calls and requests for help at this time of year. We are doing our absolute best and everybody is working almost around the clock to try to make this happen."

Boys says the need is great in Airdrie.

"We're getting calls daily from women in the community suffering from domestic violence and wondering what can they do and where can they go and where do they even start to try to get the help. And it breaks my heart to have to say 'I'm sorry we can't help you just yet' but it's coming," says Boys.

Last week, the Alberta Council of Women's Shelters released a report that stated our province has one of the highest rates of domestic violence in the country.

According to the report, 23,247 women, children, and seniors in Alberta were turned away from shelters due to a lack of capacity in 2018/2019.

Boys says this staggering statistic shows how desperately shelters are needed in Airdrie and throughout Alberta.

"That's a lot of people seeking help that have nowhere to go," says Boys. "What I have found is when you do build up enough courage to finally leave and then when you do and you're told 'Sorry I can't help you', that's devastating and that can stop women from trying to reach out in the future because what's the point. What we're doing here in Airdrie is the first step to try to help with that caseload and help these women that are trying to leave to do it in a safe way and have people behind them and with them during that time. Because when you do decide to leave, is when you do become in the most danger that you will ever be in."

Boys says there needs to be more ways to help keep these women safe without completely destroying their lives.

"Right now a woman is expected to drop absolutely everything, job, home, clothes, any kind of friend or community support that they have, and go into a shelter anywhere in Alberta that has a bed. I get it, but it's also unacceptable. We need to be able to allow these women to keep some sort of normalcy in their lives and hold on to what little that they do have, whether that be a job or a pet. Those hurdles are big hurdles for women and keep them trapped in these situations and so we're hoping that the day shelter will alleviate some of that and at least give the women who can't access an overnight shelter a chance to safely plan their exit strategy and not be alone at that time."

Boys says the day shelter will provide services such as counselling, support system advocacy, and education.

"I want these women to walk out of this horrible situation and know that they are supported, they're not alone, and that they can do it," Boys says.

As work continues on Airdrie's day shelter, Boys says the best way people can help is by donating money to help with operation costs, rent, and bills.

"We're struggling financially just like everybody else and we're having a really hard time coming up with funding to keep the doors open when they do open," says Boys. "We need all the help we can get."

Boys adds that the community of Airdrie has been amazing and that local businesses are building the shelter by donating time and materials. The electrical and security system, insulation, and plumbing has all been donated.

"The community is stepping up, they're seeing a need for this, and they are doing whatever they can," says Boys.

Airdrie P.O.W.E.R. recently unveiled a 2020 calendar that is being sold to raise funds for the shelter. Boys says it features 12 local women that have experienced domestic violence and have come out on top. She says it was a way to empower these women and others who may be suffering.

"You're not your abuse, it's not your fault and when you do leave and move down the road, you can be anything you want to be and do anything you want to do. These women are walking, local proof that it does happen," says Boys.

The calendars are being sold for $20, with 100 per cent of the proceeds going to Airdrie P.O.W.E.R.

To purchase a calendar, email airdriepower@gmail.com or visit the Airdrie P.O.W.E.R. Facebook page to see which local stores have them in stock.

 

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