Shelter Pods

Shelter Pods are a different approach emergency shelter. Rather than supervise a large group in common area, Shelter Pods allow clients access to secure individual rooms, where they can safely spend the night. The intent is that they will replace our current emergency shelter program – the Community Mat Program. Council has approved 5309 54 Street as the location for the pods. This is the yard of the former Public Works shop.

The Shelter Pods were inspired by a similar project in Edson, and made possible through a lot of dedication and hard work from the FCSS department in collaboration with Humans Helping Humans, the Rural Development Network, and Employment and Social Development Canada.

Check out the news article and video from CTV Edmonton:
https://edmonton.ctvnews.ca/drayton-valley-opens-new-shelter-pods-for-residents-needing-a-place-to-rest-1.5977052
https://edmonton.ctvnews.ca/video?clipId=2480673&jwsource=cl

We are very excited to announce that our 12 shelter pods (housed within two buildings) are fully operational and open for use!

This was a huge undertaking that would not have been possible without the support, generosity and work of local organizations, businesses and Town staff.

We’d like to recognize the following local businesses and organizations for making this happen and supporting our community’s most vulnerable residents and ensuring they have a safe and warm place to be:

• Rural Development Network – federal grant was used to purchase the first trailer (6 pods)
• Humans Helping Humans Housing Foundation – who purchased the second trailer (6 pods)
• Hayduk Picker Service Ltd – donated equipment and staff to put the pods in place
• Intercon Messaging
• Alta Fab Structures Ltd
• The Phone Experts
• Tri-Electric
• Parkway Enterprises
• Advantage Manufacturing
• Affordable Lock and Key
• Superior Propane
• Home Hardware

We’d also like to give a shout out to TELUS for installing the communications services on site within a few days to ensure that the pods were ready as soon as possible. The services installed enable our staff to communicate directly with users through an intercom system and will give staff the ability to allow entry to the pods remotely. This was a critical piece of infrastructure needed before opening to users and the Town is very appreciative of TELUS’ commitment to the project and the community!

For more information, check out our FAQ page below!