Sod Turning event

By Lisa Parent

Sod turning marks start of renovations to Phoenix Safe House Emergency Shelter

Nov 27, 2023 | 3:42 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB – A construction crew was on site of the Medicine Hat women’s emergency shelter today, as they celebrated their Sod Turning. This marks the beginning of renovations to the 25 year old building, in hopes of making the living quarters more functional and comfortable.

Representatives of the MLA of Cypress-Medicine Hat, Justin Wright, attended the event. About 30 community members also attended.

Renovations include adding a fire suppression system, creating a more accessible space and adding private bathrooms. The budget for renovating is roughly 8.5 million dollars.

To help with costs, the women’s shelter is in the midst of of their capital campaign, ‘Its About Basic Human Needs.’

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Natasha Carvalho, executive director of the shelter says the campaign has had a slow start. She’s hoping today’s event will bring more awareness to it.

“Family violence sadly is not going away and we’re seeing increased need all the time,” says Carvalho. “Now we’re kind of running out of space. This (the women’s shelter) was built as an 11 bed shelter. It’s a beautiful space 25 years ago and it worked well, but now we just the need is more sadly.”

She adds, “just the way it’s all set up, it just isn’t as functional. So we’re just kind of bursting at the seams. So we just need more functionality.”

Carvalho says renovations are scheduled to finish in about one to two years.