BeTheChangeYYC Secures New HQ, Keeps Helping Calgary's Unhoused

0:00Beatty changed YYC, the Calgary Outreach crew helping the city's unhoused folks, just Dodge becoming homeless themselves by landing new headquarters, downtown. They'd been based at a city-owned spot for five years, but last July officials gave notice to VAK by December 31st because the buildings. Systems were failing and too pricey to fix. The city extended that deadline while the non-profit hunted for replacement, and now they've scored a 1,100 square foot space. Their 7th Avenue and 8th Street Southwest, ride by the sea train for easy-client access. CEO Chaz Smith, who started the group 11 years back, appreciates the city's flexibility, calling it a key asset especially through Windsor. He's stepping up personally, covering $2,000 a month in rent from his own pocket so services don't skip a beat no hit to there. Programming or budget, their small team of six, including medical pros and social workers, plus 200 volunteers, hands out clothes, food, hygiene kits, and a lock zone, for overdoses,

1:03which they're seeing way more of, one almost every hour, of nearly 20% since 2023. With a modest $140,000 annual budget, they're pushing for more supportive housing after decades of need, and they're always. Open to donations at their site to keep the momentum rolling strong. Local news, powered by AI, this is Calgary News Today. I'm Corey, with the story.