While it has only been in service for a few months, the need for Colton’s Place is serving a need for the community.
On March 1, Colton’s Place, a family violence shelter, opened in the valley. They have a single unit that can house a single person with children for a short-term stay. It is a safe environment with security.
“It is a safe place to go right away, to get out of the situation they are in until they can get to affordable housing or a larger shelter in the city, or get them home to where their social supports are, wherever that may be,” said Crystal Chretien family violence intervention coordinator.
In the short time it has been open, there have been three clients use the suite for short-term stays. In that time, they have also served about 30 people, where they had to help them in other ways such as with a hotel stay or transportation.
“There have been times when it has been occupied, and we also had to shelter other people in need, so definitely there is a need,” said Chretien.
Colton’s Place is a pilot program and is supported by the Salvation Army, the Town of Drumheller, the Drumheller Housing Authority, the Rotary Club, Big Country Anti-Violence Associaton, and the RCMP. She says they hope to continue the program, and are working on grants for stable funding to complete the pilot.
“Our future goal is to possibly open a four-plex shelter, so we have more rooms available for women, children, and men,” said Chretien.
The office running Colton’s Place is on 24- hour call in case of emergency and works with the RCMP for referrals.
“If they are referred by the RCMP, we know they are really wanting to get out of the situation, they are going to the RCMP for help and then they call us,” said Chretien.
For more information call the Salvation Army at 403-823-2215, ext. 103.
