Care for vulnerable community members
Homelessness and poverty impact every community and those affected can include individuals, families, youth, seniors, visible minorities and people with disabilities. Leduc cares about its vulnerable residents and provides diverse services to support vulnerable people in our community, including:
- NEW! Hiring a second Life Safety and Navigation Coordinator and a second Community Safety Officer in fall 2024.
- NEW! Launching a pilot program to reduce start-up costs to housing (e.g. damage deposits, renters' insurance, etc.) and to maintain housing (e.g. eviction prevention) for those who cannot access traditional financial aid programs (timeline TBC).
- NEW! Enhancing data collection to support successful future planning regarding the unhoused.
- Funding three new (as of 2023) support positions: Community Safety Officer, Police and Crisis Team RCMP member position, and an FCSS Navigator.
- Helping individuals connect with and reach available services unique to their situation based on a full assessment of need.
- Providing regular referrals to support services like counselling, family violence prevention, addiction and recovery supports, LGBTQ2S+ resources, Alberta Works and the Family Resource Network.
- Providing access to subsidized programs such as transit, recreation assistance, short-term counselling and utility arrears.
- Providing specific outreach support to families, seniors, youth and the unhoused in our community.
- Activating an Extreme Weather Plan during times of extreme cold, heat or poor air quality, providing temporary daytime relief at public buildings and working proactively with those in crisis to create safety plans, navigate support systems, and access safety supplies.
- Installing a water fill station on Main Street in the summer months using a fire hydrant to provide access to clean, safe water.
- Partnering with the Leduc Housing Foundation and neighbouring municipalities to support the Gaetz Landing housing project, adding 24 more one-bedroom units to the complex.
- Exploring opportunities for affordable housing on 5404 47 Street.
- Providing funding through our Grants to Organizations program ($382,000 in 2024 to 11 local social services organizations that provide support to the most vulnerable population in Leduc).
- Implementing community education to reduce the stigma about houselessness and create awareness about the complexity of the issue.
- Partnering with the Family Resource Network (FRN) to deliver high-quality preventative and early intervention services and support to families.
Additionally, several local groups are involved in supporting those in need in Leduc:
- Leduc & District Food Bank
- Leduc Alberta Supports Office
- Leduc Hub Association
- Leduc Senior Centre
- BGC Leduc
- Victim Services
- St. Vincent D’Paul
- LINX
- Community Living Association
- Santa’s Helpers
- Parkinsons Alberta
Since 2022, the City has made progress on the strategies, policies and initiatives identified in its Homelessness and Poverty Prevention Framework.
I Need Help
FCSS offers a variety of social support services and access to assistance programs for Leduc residents of all ages and walks of life.
I Need Housing Assistance
FCSS provides support and access to a variety of services for those in our community who are facing housing challenges.
Family Resource Network
The Family Resource Network delivers high quality prevention and early intervention services and supports for families with children 0 to 18 years old.
I Need To Connect
FCSS hosts numerous programs, events and workshops to help residents connect with one another and enhance their quality of life throughout the year.
I Need Addictions Support
FCSS offers education, awareness and support services to combat drug and alcohol misuse in our community.
Dealing with Trauma
Resources for parents, caregivers and youth seeking support to heal from a traumatic experience.