Basic Needs Room: A targeted approach to winter clothing support

North Rocky View Region Community Links in Airdrie are trying to help those in need of winter clothes during this winter season. 

Formerly known as the Treasure Vault, the Basic Needs Room helps supply those in need of winter clothing.

Elizabeth Wyczynski, the Community Relations Specialist at Community Links explained the history of the Basic Needs Room.

"The Treasure Vault has been an area where we would accept donations and community members can go in freely on their own and just pick out what they need. We noticed that the needs are a bit more targeted and we want to be more specific and intentional about the items collected and put in that space."

The room is now a spot where to go with a staff member, they listen to your needs and do an assessment, and they then supply you with the necessities that they think you need.

"It's all about helping meet those basic needs so we can help people move to the next level of service, which is getting them more sustainable support. But if their basic needs aren't met, they're not able to move to the next step of getting sustainable support."

Some of the items that they do provide when they have them include winter jackets, warm sockets, hats, mitts and some boots. 

"We base our handouts on the needs assessment, and what we get from the community as well."

Wyczynski stated people are so grateful for what they receive.

"It is a humbling humbling experience whenever you're asking for community support, so, we try to keep people's anonymity at the forefront." 

This room is a compliment to all the other services Community Links provides. Wyczynski finished off by stating this is only the first step in helping whoever walks through their doors.

The room is a community collaboration and includes items from multiple different community groups.

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