COLD LAKE – “We were pleasantly surprised and welcomed the announcement,” said Cindy Yang, the director of strategic priorities for Stepping Stones Crisis Society based in Cold Lake.
Yang was referring to the Affordable Housing Partnership Program funded by the federal and provincial government that will provide the non-profit $2 million of capital funding.
On March 9, Stepping Stones was named one of 17 projects to receive capital funding to expand affordable housing in the province.
“Grants and especially capital funding are never expected, and often times have small application windows,” said Yang, adding the society is grateful to have been awarded funding.
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Stepping Stones staff members were quick to submit an application package for the affordable housing program. The grant was opened to the community beginning December 2022 and closed in January 2023.
Because capacity has been a consistent issue for the society, Yang said, over the last few year Stepping Stones has been evaluating changes that are needed to increase capacity to continue supporting their clients.
The society, which first opened its doors in 1982, operates an emergency shelter for women and their children fleeing domestic violence. The society has also grown to provide a Second Stage Women’s Shelter Program for women and families who have left abusive relationships but need time and support to get back on their feet.
Yang noted that while the $2 million will have an impact, it is not enough to close the gap for women seeking shelter in the Lakeland area. “But it’s a great start,” she said told Lakeland This Week.
The funding provided under the Affordable Housing Partnership Program is specifically designated for capital funding.
Stepping Stones will put the $2 million it received towards building a new facility and will move all its operations once a the larger facility is constructed, Yang said.
“This funding is targeted, meaning we are restricted by the granting criteria on how the funds can be spent,” explained the director of strategic priorities. “In the case of this grant, the funding is allocated towards capital costs.”
