The YWCA of Calgary is confirming today that all programs operated out of the downtown facility will re-start effective Monday, July 8. The delays are based on the age of the facility and the extent of damage from the flood. Flood damage in the east end of downtown and the East Village is extensive. The downtown building is located at 320 5th Avenue S.E..

In addition to cleanup of silt and flood water, the restart of elevators, information technology systems and other building operations systems continue to be at issue.

Programs which are expected to restart July 8th are as follows:

  • YWCA Childcare Centre
  • Registration for English for New Canadians, Canadian Employment Skills and Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (at 10:00 a.m.)
  • Vermilion Energy/YWCA Employment Resource Centre
  • ParentLINK Corridor
  • Other operations including Fitness on 5th will be further delayed

The 100 women and children who remain in evacuated from YWCA Mary Dover Supportive Housing may begin to return sooner pending system restarts and health inspections.

YWCA teams, partners and supporters have been committed to restoring operations following unprecedented flooding and the subsequent evacuation of our two primary program sites. The YWCA Sheriff King location in Inglewood has been re-occupied by women and children fleeing violence. The 24-hour crisis line was re-established as of last Wednesday and has been busy as families struggle with the ongoing emergency situation in our community. All family violence related programming and counselling services are operating as scheduled.

The YWCA wishes to express its gratitude to the Calgary Emergency Management Agency as well ENMAX and the Government of Alberta for their support through this crisis.

Due to these unique circumstances, the YWCA is in need of cash donations. 100% of funds raised will go towards the re-opening of programs and services dedicated to helping women and children facing poverty, family violence and social exclusion. Donations can be made any time through the YWCA website at ywcalgary.ca.

 

About the YWCA of Calgary: 

As the YWCA of Calgary moves into the next 100 years of serving women, we continue to adapt to their changing needs in the city. Serving more than 8,700 clients in 2012, across a continuum of more than 30 programs and services, from housing and shelter to counselling, education, and outreach supports, the YWCA is focused on empowering women, and their families, to move from a place of vulnerability to one of hope and resilience. For more information, visit ywcalgary.ca

 

For information and interview inquiries please contact:

 

Carla Link,
Manager, Communications, YWCA of Calgary
Phone: 587.228.8663 l Email: clink@ywcalgary.ca

Elsbeth Mehrer
Director, External Relations, YWCA of Calgary
Phone:  403.809.4168 l Email: emehrer@ywcalgary.ca

 

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