West Edmonton churches walk together to end homelessness

By Max Rausch

EDMONTON — In a show of solidarity for the less fortunate, members of four west Edmonton churches came together Saturday for the 2011 Faith Walk, in support of the Jasper Place Health and Wellness Centre.

The five-kilometer walk, which exceeded its $4,000 goal, was first proposed by John Campbell from Hosanna Lutheran Church. Members of Trinity United, Good Shepherd Catholic and Spirit West United Church also signed on to collect pledges.

Since the government does not fund drop-in centres, Jasper Place Health and Wellness has operated entirely on private donations since its inception.

“We’ve supported them for years, but this is the first time we’ve organized a fundraiser like this,” said Cambell.

This is not the first time the four churches have united against poverty, however.

“We’ve been serving hot meals to those in need through the Centre for about four years,” said Dorothy Rendlfesh, who has been with the church for roughly fourteen years.

As the church’s first fundraiser of this scale, the walk was a resounding success, ultimately raising $4,150.

While other organizations may treat the effects of poverty by offering shelter, the centre’s housing-first approach strives to get rid of poverty by treating the cause with emotional and financial support, said Scotti Coles, executive director for the program.

“Offering people meaningful activity empowers them, gives them a sense of purpose, and helps them re-integrate into the community,” Coles said.

Since 2006, the centre has housed more than 400 people in the Edmonton area with an 80 per cent retention rate.

Moreover, the program has recently opened up another 30 housing units for the homeless at Canora Place.

“It’s thanks to the generosity of the faith community that we are able to run our day-to-day operations,” Coles said, accepting a giant check from Campbell.

“I hope to make this an annual tradition,” said Campbell. “It gives me a sense of satisfaction knowing others facing challenges in their lives can benefit from what I’m doing.”