Alberta has the third highest rate of self-reported spousal violence in Canada. Thousands of women and children in our communities are victims of family violence each year. Since the beginning of the pandemic, our shelters have been operating at, or beyond, capacity. Many vulnerable women right here in our community are experiencing the "shadow pandemic" - being abused by their intimate partner and at times legally obligated to lock down with their abuser. This has resulted in a drastic influx of women who are in desperate need of stable, safe housing, and wrap-around supports for them and their children.  Residents can stay at Lurana for up to 21 days, before transitioning to our longer-term shelters. These are women and children living on the periphery, in poverty, including Indigenous, women of colour, immigrants and refugees, single mothers, and women living with disabilities.

Your investment will help us provide a 24/7 emergency line open to all women, with or without children, who are escaping violence and need safe and secure housing. Lurana provides refuge and emergency services, such as food, clothing, transportation, child minding, counselling, advocacy, legal, medical and other outreach services through community partnerships. Child-specific programming is available to assist vulnerable children and youth as they deal with the abuse they have witnessed and endured. Highly trained staff provides individual counselling, support groups as well as specialized learning and recreational activities.   All services, including child minding, are provided at no cost to residents.