BOW VALLEY – A $60,000 donation will go to support shelter space for the Homelessness Society of the Bow Valley.
The Wim and Nancy Pauw Foundation made the donation to help with the society’s operations for the coming winter. It comes after the foundation previously made the same donation last year that helped the shelter space run from Dec. 15, 2022, to April 1, 2023.
“Homelessness exists everywhere, and the Bow Valley is no exception. Our support will help HSBV build and expand their much-needed services, helping some of the most vulnerable people in our community,” said Cathy Geisler, the executive director of the Wim and Nancy Pauw Foundation in a media release.
“They have done amazing work in just a few years, and we hope our support will inspire others to help HSBV secure permanent resources for people facing difficult times.”
The organization was founded in 2020 and known as the resident emergency shelter temporary (REST) program. It ran as a pilot program, but its success led to its continuation and additional community support.
It also offers an outreach program – which began in 2021 – for workers to provide additional support such as food, clothing, temporary shelter and connections to local agencies such as YWCA Banff and Family Community Support Services.
“We are deeply grateful for the support from the Wim and Nancy Pauw Foundation. This partnership is instrumental in enabling us to continue our existing services and also expand them, ensuring sustained progress and becoming an invaluable and indispensable resource for our community,” said Jessica Klaric, the executive director of HSBV in a media release.
The initial years were run at St. Michael’s Anglican Church on Seventh Avenue in Canmore, but when the church returned to its regular programming that had been on hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic the society looked for a new space.
HSBV used the Scout Hall in Canmore for space last year, which was at or near full capacity each night. The society received $60,000 last year and $70,000 this coming year from the Rural Development Network, with the operational budget being about $165,000.
The society had its rent cut in half by Canmore council as well as making it free from 12 to 6 a.m. due to the building already not being in use during that time and no revenue expected to come in.
The Wim and Nancy Pauw Foundation was created as a private foundation in Banff in 2013. The organization is funded by profits from Banff Caribou Properties Ltd. and Banff Lodging Company, with the goal of reinvesting in Banff and the Bow Valley.
“Our primary focus is on locating stable, long-term housing options to ensure individuals facing homelessness have a secure place to live,” Klaric said. “With this generous donation, we can sustain our efforts in searching for permanent shelter and continue to offer assistance to vulnerable individuals. This continuity of support enables them to tackle the underlying causes of their homelessness while striving towards sustainable, lasting solutions.”
