An 8th Bedroom: The space between crisis and hope

She will give birth any day... She cannot return to the shelter cots once she has the baby."

"I'm afraid... My dad is drinking and smoking... I'm afraid to leave my room with my newborn son."

I trusted them... but after the assault and resulting pregnancy, they threatened my life... I have nowhere else to go."

​"They will take my daughter if I don't have a home address."

In the midst of a growing housing crisis, the calls for help we receive are heartbreaking—and becoming more desperate.

Families are being separated and shelters are overwhelmed. Pregnant women and women with newborns are amongst the most vulnerable and typically are the most difficult to find housing for because of their unique needs. 

Elizabeth House remains one of the few programs in Calgary that specializes in housing and support for women and infants during the critical perinatal period between pregnancy and the first two years of life.  

We offer a wrap-around professional and peer-based support and transitional housing that extends until the child's second birthday. The length of stay is another unique feature of Elizabeth House as many programs have a much shorter duration, exacerbating the challenges of housing instability for young families. 

However, the need is staggering. In 2024, we were only able to accept 5% of the women who applied.

That’s why this year we are fundraising for essential renovations—new lighting, updated furniture, and most importantly, to open an 8th bedroom.

I am so happy and grateful. I don't have to be afraid and my daughter is loved by everyone here... I can't wait to start school again and build our new life."

Elizabeth House is my safe place... the first one in my life."

"The other moms and the staff have changed my life... I never thought I could be a mom, but now I can't imagine life without him."

Opening an 8th bedroom means one more family has a chance to stay together. It also means more furniture, more storage, and more supplies. We’re raising funds to make that room available as soon as possible.

From March 1 to August 31, your donation can go even further—matched up to 50% by Rogers Birdies for Kids presented by AltaLink. Donate here
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• ​Additionally, you can also join us at our Blooms & Blossoms Charity Dinner, where all proceeds will be matched up to 50% by Birdies for Kids.

​This Mother’s Day, consider making a donation or buying a dinner ticket in honour of a mother in your life—so that another mom and baby can have a place to call home.

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Written by Elizabeth House Team