The Four Elms Crisis Centre is being renovated to provide updated accommodations for people that are homeless with mobility issues. Construction began on April 23 starting with a modernization of the ground floor wheelchair accessible suite.
Crisis Centre Shelter Supervisor Doug Davidson states, “We have seen a spike in demand for barrier-free accommodations for about six months now.”
The entire room is being completely redone, including repairs to the floors with guide rails installed both in the bedroom and within an accessible washroom which is also receiving a total overhaul.
These renovations are the latest the shelter is investing in with hopes of offering updated services that meet ever-changing needs of the population.
Services have expanded within the centre to address contributing factors of homelessness, as well as provide advocacy and support for both adults and youth trying to evade eviction, or who have nowhere left to call home.
Executive Director of the Crisis Centre Susan Rinneard encourages the community to continue to work in support of those in need. “We need to recognize there is a story behind the homeless, that there are often not so great circumstances that bring individuals to homelessness, and we need to remove the stigma.”
The Crisis Centre is part of a variety of community services that address the complex needs of individuals that are looking for financial aid, accommodations, or struggling with addictions.
Located at 1675 Cassells St the 19-bed homeless shelter has been a refuge for men, women, and families facing homelessness and the circumstances surrounding it since its doors opened in 1971.
For more information on the Four Elms Crisis Centre you can visit their website.
