Edmonton-area shelters testing centralized intake service

A new pilot project aims to get women and children escaping violence into a shelter faster.

Access to shelters in the Edmonton region should improve thanks to a new pilot, officials say.

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As of Wednesday, until December, calls for help in Edmonton, Strathcona County and Sturgeon County are being routed through 211 Alberta.

This not only shifts the call volume away from the shelters, whose staff answer phones while supporting clients, but also instantly provides a caller with access to help available across the capital city and neighbouring counties.

Additionally, data about the scope of need will be collected throughout the pilot.

“This collaboration is an important step in streamlining access to support for those who need it most. Together, we’re creating a more connected and responsive system for individuals and families facing crisis, and that’s something I’m incredibly proud of,” WIN House CEO Leslie Allen said in a Thursday news release.

WIN House and its partners – Catholic Social Services (CSS), A Safe Place, Sage Seniors Safe House, The Jessica Martel Memorial Foundation, and Wings of Providence – say the data will help the sector work collectively and inform government decisions.

“This pilot project is a game-changer,” said CSS CEO Troy Davies in a statement. CSS operates the Lurana and LaSalle shelters.

“For too long, those fleeing violence have faced a fragmented system at the worst moment of their lives. By centralizing intake, we’re not only easing that burden, but also collecting valuable data critical for making informed decisions about funding and services.”

211’s navigators have been trained in gender-based violence, trauma-informed communication and equity-deserving populations.

If all shelters are at capacity, they will help a caller explore their other options.

211 supports anyone affected by gender-based violence by providing shelter or referrals to counselling, legal support, safety planning and more.