Bridging the Gap - A Digital Story by Sarah about HSBV скачать в хорошем качестве

Bridging the Gap - A Digital Story by Sarah about HSBV

This digital story was created by Sarah Lonz Board Chair of the Homelessness Society of the Bow Valley with funding from Banff Canmore Foundation. Learn More Kristy Wolfe https://www.kristywolfestories.com Homelessness Society of the Bow Valley https://bowvalleyshelter.ca Banff Canmore Foundation https://banffcanmorefoundation.org Bridging the Gap by Sarah Lonz Spring 2025 For the past 11 years, I have lived, worked, and played on Treaty 7 territory as an uninvited settler. The Bow Valley has been my home, shaping my career in healthcare and deepening my connection to this land. My work as a registered nurse and my experience supporting a loved one through a complex opioid addiction exposed me to the systemic barriers that exist in accessing mental health and substance use support, particularly in rural communities where services can be scarce and fragmented. Living in a tourism-driven area comes with its own complexities—housing insecurity, high cost of living, and elevated substance use rates in the hospitality sector to name a few. I wanted to launch a home detox program to provide a localized solution for individuals cycling through the healthcare system due to gaps in community support. While reaching out to potential partners, I was introduced to the REST emergency mat program at St. Michael’s Anglican Church. I hadn’t heard of this program before, but learning about its mission to address homelessness in the Bow Valley resonated deeply with me. I was moved by the commitment of those involved and saw an opportunity to contribute in a meaningful way. Shortly after, I joined the Board of Directors. At that time, the need for emergency shelter services was clear, and with additional funding, the Homelessness Society of the Bow Valley (HSBV) officially became a nonprofit, taking over the REST program and expanding its reach. One night when the shelter was short-staffed I volunteered to cover the shift. That night, I met individuals from all walks of life—some long-time Bow Valley locals, others from out of province—each with unique stories and challenges. We shared food, conversations, and moments of warmth during a cold winter night. It was a powerful reminder that homelessness is not one-size-fits-all; it intersects with food security, job stability, and other social determinants of health. HSBV remains the only low-barrier Emergency Winter Shelter in the Bow Valley, while also offering year-round outreach support to help individuals navigate basic services. To sustain these programs, we rely on fundraising, donations and grants. In 2023 we hosted the first ever Coldest Night of the Year Walk, a family-friendly event supporting those facing housing insecurity. The following year, HSBV became a registered charity, marking another milestone in our journey. I originally came to the Bow Valley for my nursing career and to immerse myself in nature. I never anticipated how connected I would become to this community. Seeing the increase in shelter usage and knowing I’ve played a role in providing solutions is incredibly fulfilling. Community-driven efforts like HSBV make a real difference, and together, we can continue supporting those who need it most.