The event is an opportunity for neighbours to learn more

e4c Elizabeth House, a beautiful building situated next to St. Faith’s Anglican Church, has been in existence for many years. 

Initially a transitional housing facility for women and then temporarily a women’s shelter for a short period in 2016, it was closed for two years before re-opening as permanent supportive housing for individuals of all genders and identities in January of this year. 

Jaimie Clements, site manager, feels it’s important for the community to be aware of this change as well as embrace the value that the residents bring to the community. 

The supportive housing facility provides a stable home environment to 20 residents who have concerns with mental health and addictions in order to provide the opportunity for individuals to explore their different strengths, talents, and abilities. The home is run by e4c with supports from Alberta Health Services, which includes a social worker, occupational therapist, a nurse, and a peer support worker. 

Clements emphasizes, “This is their home. We’re here to provide supports.” 

e4c Elizabeth House plays an important role in the plan to end homelessness in Edmonton. “Having it here, surrounded by a lot of supports and people who are supportive of the initiative, including the Alberta Avenue Community League and Arts on the Ave, creates more of a sense of community and is something for this community to be proud of, that they are actively contributing to end homelessness,” says Clements.

Shannon Donogh, communications coordinator with e4c, explains the importance of having permanent supportive housing in the Alberta Avenue community. “The residents remain connected to their existing supports and their friends within their own community.” 

Clements adds: “e4C Elizabeth House provides an environment for residents to build meaningful connections with one another and in the community,” she says. “The people who are living [in Elizabeth House] are visual artists, musicians, poets, interior designers, video gamers, gadget fixers, and landscapers. They have such empathy for each other, they care for each other, they have built a sense of community within the community.” 

The residents of e4c Elizabeth House are inviting their neighbors to join them in celebrating the recent re-opening and transformation of the house on Friday, Aug. 23 from 4 pm to 8 pm. Donogh says staff and residents are hoping that the barbecue will be a chance to “learn more about permanent supportive housing, meet their neighbors, and provide an opportunity to break bread together as a community.” 

The barbecue will be held in partnership with Neighbour Connect through Alberta Avenue Community League.

BARBECUE

Friday, Aug. 23, 4-8 pm

e4C Elizabeth House

11717 93 Street

Featured Image: e4C Elizabeth House re-opened in January as permanent supportive housing. | Supplied