ABOUT HSBV 

The Homelessness Society of the Bow Valley (HSBV) is an incorporated non-profit society with a mission to support those who are unhoused or experiencing housing insecurity within the Bow Valley (comprised of Banff, Canmore, Exshaw, Lake Louise, Kananaskis and Mini Thni). Our mission is to provide low-barrier programs, including an emergency winter shelter and outreach program, to support those in need within our community.  We believe that housing is a basic right, and having wrap-around supports and services within our community are of the utmost importance.

HSBV has been operating since 2020 in order to fill a significant need for emergency support among those who are unhoused or experiencing housing insecurity within the Bow Valley.

HOUSING INSECURITY IN THE BOW VALLEY

Imagine a community where every individual has access to shelter, especially during the coldest nights of the year. 

In order to further understand how individuals may come to experience housing instability within the Bow Valley, it is important to understand the unique Bow Valley context. The inventory of affordable and appropriate housing in the Bow Valley is limited. In addition to this, Canmore is reported as having the highest recommended living wage in the province of Alberta at $32.75 per hour (Canmore, 2022 Living Wage report: Town of Canmore - Living Wage). Additionally, there are unique and significant risks that need to be considered for unhoused individuals within the Bow Valley considering the inclement weather patterns and extreme weather events across the seasons (i.e., extreme cold, snow storms, wildfires). 

SHELTER PROGRAM

HSBV’s emergency winter shelter program is a local, highly collaborative project that offers a low barrier, inclusive, safe place to sleep for any individuals in the Bow Valley who do not have access to alternate shelter during the coldest months of the year. In addition to providing warm, safe accommodation, the program connects guests to basic needs such as food (often generously donated by various local organizations including Bow Valley Food Bank, Mountain Fire Foods, Food & Friends and Bow Valley Food Alliance), donated winter clothing (such as socks and hats), and community resources. 

HSBV’s shelter program is unique to the Bow Valley, since it operates with a low barrier policy. Some examples of this include: no identification is required, no sobriety requirements, no background checks, no income or employment information needed, and no paperwork or disclosure of personal information is required in order to access our services. HSBV strongly believes in and implements a harm reduction approach in order to meet shelter guests where they’re at, and provide the most impactful support possible. 

WE NEED YOUR HELP

During the 2022/2023 operating period, HSBV hosted multiple guest feedback sessions. What was noted to be most important among shelter guests was a longer shelter operating period. The cold nights in the Bow Valley begin much earlier and can extend much later than the shelter operating period and thus, creates anxiety around health and safety concerns. Here are some paraphrased quotes offered by guests related to the shelter program: “This shelter saved me from a lot of cold, long nights”, “I am so thankful for this program. I feel safe and comfortable”.

We want to ensure that the shelter season can operate this winter from December to April, and even longer, if possible. 

With your donation, you can have an impact:

• $25 - grocery card for food at the shelter 
• $50 - 1 night in the shelter for 1 guest 
• $100 - 2 nights in the shelter for 1 guest
• $200 - 4 nights in the shelter for 1 guest
• $500 - 10 nights in the shelter for 1 guest
• $1000 - 20 nights in the shelter for 1 guest

BECOME A FRIEND OF HSBV

Friends of HSBV will receive our quarterly newsletter with updates on our program and impacts of their generous donation. Donations over $1,500 will receive recognition on our website and in our annual report. 

HELP MAKE AN IMPACT

• Support - hit the contribute button and provide someone with a warm night’s sleep
• Share - share our campaign and mission with your friends and family!
• Matching Funds - The Government of Alberta has agreed to match 30% of funds donated once a minimum of $5,000 has been fundraised!

Help us reach our goal this winter!

Due to program restrictions, the Homelessness Society of the Bow Valley cannot issue tax receipts. For large donations or those requiring tax receipts, please visit bowvalleyshelter.ca/donate.