Drumheller now has a residential unit for temporary stays for those fleeing domestic violence.
On Monday, March 1, the Big County Anti-Violence Association (BCAVA) announced the grand opening of Colton’s Place Temporary Domestic Violence Unit. This is a collaboration that includes the Town of Drumheller, the Drumheller Housing Administration, and the Drumheller RCMP. The local Rotary Club helped to sponsor the unit, and the Drumheller Salvation Army will oversee management.
Colton’s Place Temporary Domestic Violence Unit provides safe short-term housing for individuals and their children who are in crisis or transition. It supports individuals in their search for a better future, helping them overcome trauma, focus on healing, develop economic stability, and secure safe, affordable housing.
Colton’s Place is named in memory of Drumheller resident Colton McIntosh whose young life ended tragically as a result of family violence.
“This has been a dream for us for many years, and is especially needed in this time of COVID where shelter capacity has decreased, while the cases of family violence have increased,” said BCAVA Kandace Wylie-Toews.
The Colton’s Place Emergency Unit will also work at connecting individuals and their children to community resources for further support to help them move forward towards self-reliance, personal growth, healing, and independence.
Alberta Council of Women’s Shelter’s 2018 report indicates from 2015 to 2018, approximately 18,136 individuals were served by shelters in Alberta. The same report indicates in “2017/18 16,722 women, children and seniors were turned away due to lack of capacity.
Toews says before the shelter, they typically had to send those in need to Strathmore for shelter. This allows them to better serve the community without the logistics and resources. Currently there is one unit, but they will gauge the need and success of this project and plan going forward.
If you think someone you know is experiencing family violence, reach out by contacting, Crystal Chretien, Family Violence Intervention Coordinator with the Salvation Army at 403-823-2215. To learn more, visit www.familyviolence.alberta.ca or www.bcava.org
