Trudy Wilson, Support Services Manager with North Rockyview Community Links and Mandy Drachenberg, Seniors Support Worker with Community Links presented to Airdrie City Council what they're seeing with homelessness in the city (all stats from 2021). 

According to Wilson, at Community Links they've had a fair number of Airdronians ask for help: 

  • 55 community members have been in a situation of acute homelessness. 

  • 98 referrals to emergency shelters. 

  • 252 community members accessing basic needs housing support. 

  • 94 referrals made to Calgary housing / subsidized housing. 

  • 236 applications received for 44 units available in Airdrie. 

“We anticipate that these numbers are going to be much greater this year,” says Drachenberg. 

According to Wilson, when people come in experiencing an acute state of homelessness, Community Links has some items to help. 

“We have homeless backpacks which give them some basic clothing, access to a blanket, some water and basic tools. In the winter months it's often jackets, toques, and gloves." 

Wilson says Community Links has food onsite that, a lot of times, those experiencing acute homelessness can come in and access. 

“We also have access to a small emergency fund that can help with things like transportation, helping people to acquire ID, getting them phone minutes to stay connected to other supports and services that can maybe help them in that longer term support.” 

To finish off the presentation, Wilson talked about the different kinds of mental health support they have and what kind of referrals they can provide. To see and listen to those, watch their PRESENTATION.  

Before accepting the presentation for information, Airdrie Mayor Peter Brown mentioned how grateful and thankful he is for all the hard work Community Links does to help support Airdronians in need. 

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