A Warm Welcome: Communities Show They Care with the Launch of Welcome Home

March 22, 2012

New program helps the homeless start a new life

“I sure wish they had this support when I got out of jail years ago; I never would have ended up back in jail. I'm thankful for all of the support and the home you have helped me with.”
 
For Darrell, starting a new life out of homelessness isn’t just about getting a place to live. It’s also about the help he receives to stay housed. This includes help to learn practical skills and help with combating loneliness and forging new relationships as he moves away from the friends and community he knew.

Formally launched on March 22, 2012, Welcome Home is making new community connections easier for people like Darrell. Administered by Catholic Social Services, Welcome Home matches volunteers from diverse faith communities with the newly housed, to offer whatever is needed most: a coffee date, or a trip to the local library or a sporting event.

Anne Smith, Chair of Edmonton’s Homeless Commission, has been involved with the development of Welcome Home. “Fortunately, the majority of people who become homeless find their way out with the help of family and friends,” said Smith. “But others lack a personal support network. Welcome Home provides that support network and helps them with their journey out of homelessness.”

The United Way, the Capital Region Interfaith Housing Initiative, Edmonton’s Homeless Commission and Enbridge Pipelines Inc. also provide support for Welcome Home.

“Enbridge is committed to making a positive and enduring impact in Edmonton through community driven approaches like Welcome Home by providing financial and volunteer support,” said Kirk Byrtus, Enbridge’s VP Pipeline Control and Enbridge 2012 United Way Employee Campaign Chair.

 

For more information:

Jay Freeman

Edmonton Homeless Commission

Title	Executive Director
Telephone	780-910-6158
Email	jay.freeman@edmonton.ca

Bob McKeon

Office for Social Justice

Title	Associate Director
Telephone	780-469-1010, Ext. 2291
Email	sjustice@caedm.ca