Holyrood — Our Doors are Open

“some individuals are in tears…

… when they learn they’ll be moving from an encampment into a brand new home in the Holyrood community.” That’s what Joanita Udinyiwe, Program Manager, finds as she contacts people about being accepted into the recently opened Holyrood Supportive Housing (SH) program. “Being housed in a new apartment with new furniture is really big for them,” Joanita says, “they feel like they have worth being housed in a new building in a settled neighborhood.” 

And how do Holyrood community members feel about their incoming new neighbors? Acceptance and support have grown. During construction, Joanita and her team had time to do outreach and held three big ‘dialogue’ events in the community. That led to 120 people attending a recent barbeque open house to learn more and tour the new site. Now community members come to the door and ask how they can help with some people making welcome baskets, and others offering to be part of a coffee program.

The team of over 30 staff is in place and well trained. Delays in opening the facility gave Joanita time to deploy Holyrood staff to other GSS SH programs for their added support and for an excellent training opportunity for the new team.

Finally, after months of construction and anticipation, the big day arrived: September 18th. It couldn’t have been a better day to open the site. The sun streamed through floor-to-ceiling windows as visiting dignitaries stepped to the podium and officially declared the 63-unit Holyrood site open for business.

The federal, provincial and municipal governments funded construction of the Holyrood site which will be managed by Homeward Trust and operated by the George Spady Society. Partner representatives spoke to the importance of collaboration in addressing the needs of the houseless community.

The Holyrood site is a striking building outside and in. The exterior’s flowing design and green pillars are echoed in the interior’s open entry with its circular features and large windows. Resident units are open studios with sleek cabinets and bathrooms that are wheel-chair accessible. Each floor has screened balconies, laundry rooms and flex rooms that can be furnished to encourage resident socializing.

With the site now open, Joanita and the Case Managers are busy reviewing over 40 community referrals from Homeward Trust Edmonton Coordinated Access. The target is to fill the 63 units by year end and, given the referral rate and need in the city, Joanita and her team expect to readily meet that target.

Below are some photos of the excited Holyrood team members and the building. To learn more about our newest program, plan to attend the November 19th General Staff Meeting where Joanita will showcase the Holyrood program.