HOME - A Place For Youth to Live and Gather

06/17/2026

06/17/2026

06/14/2026

As this past weekend marked 10 years since the tragedy at Pulse Nightclub, we found ourselves reflecting on the strength, resilience, and joy of our communities.

Ten years ago, lives were taken in an act of hatred against a space that existed for connection, celebration, and belonging. We remember those who were lost, the survivors, and the countless community members whose lives were forever changed.

This weekend also reminded us of something else: our communities continue to gather. We continue to create spaces of belonging, support, celebration, and joy. Despite ongoing challenges, we continue to show up for one another.

HOMES would like to extend our sincere thanks to the Edmonton Le***an Network for hosting a wonderful community gathering and dance, and to the Mill Woods Presidents’ Council for including us in their Pride celebrations. Thank you for creating spaces where Two Spirit, Trans, Q***r, and allied communities can connect, celebrate, and build community together.

We would also like to recognize Evo Wonderlounge and the many q***r spaces that continue to exist despite challenges. These spaces matter. They are places where our communities can gather, find belonging, celebrate who we are, and, sometimes, simply dance without fear.

As we remember the lives lost at Pulse, we also honour the resilience of those who came before us and those who continue the work today.

We remember.

We mourn.

We celebrate.

And we continue to dance—because our joy is sacred.

06/12/2026

Today, we remember the 49 lives stolen in the attack on Pulse Nightclub in Orlando on June 12, 2016. Pulse was more than a nightclub—it was a sanctuary, a place where 2SLGBTQ+ people could gather, celebrate, and be themselves without fear. That night, 49 people were murdered and dozens more were injured in one of the deadliest acts of anti-2SLGBTQ+ violence in modern history.

Today, we say their names:

Amanda Alvear
Akyra Monet Murray
Alejandro Barrios Martinez
Angel Luis Candelario Padró
Anthony Luis Laureano Disla
Antonio Davon Brown
Brenda Marquez McCool
Christopher Andrew Leinonen
Christopher Joseph Sanfeliz
Cory James Connell
Darryl “DJ” Burt II
Deonka Deidra Drayton
Eddie Jamol-Droy Justice
Edward “Eddie” Manuel Sotomayor Jr.
Enrique L. Rios Jr.
Eric Ivan Ortiz Rivera
Frank Hernandez Escalante
Franky Jimmy De Jesus Velázquez
Gerardo A. Ortiz Jimenez
Gilberto Ramon Silva Menendez
Jason Benjamin Josaphat
Javier Jorge Reyes
Jean Carlo Mendez Perez
Jean Carlos Nieves Rodriguez
Jerald Arthur Wright
Joel Rayón Paniagua
Jonathan Antonio Camuy Vega
Juan Chavez Martinez
Juan Pablo Rivera Velázquez
Juan Ramón Guerrero
Kimberly Jean Morris
Leroy Valentin Fernández
Luis D. Conde
Luis Daniel Wilson Leon
Luis Omar Ocasio Capo
Luis Sergio Vielma
Martin Benitez Torres
Mercedez Marisol Flores
Miguel Angel Honorato
Oscar Aracena
Paul Terrell Henry
Peter Ommy Gonzalez Cruz
Rodolfo Ayala Ayala
Shane Evan Tomlinson
Simón Adrián Carrillo Fernández
Stanley Almodovar III
Tevin Eugene Crosby
Xavier Emmanuel Serrano-Rosado
Yilmary Rodriguez Solivan

Ten years later, we remember not only how they died, but how they lived. They were siblings, children, parents, partners, friends, artists, dreamers, and community members. They were loved.

As anti-2SLGBTQ+ rhetoric and violence continue to rise around the world, Pulse remains a reminder that hate has consequences. Their names call on us to build a future where everyone can live openly, safely, and proudly.

We remember. We mourn. We honour. We continue the fight for a world where no one is targeted for who they are or who they love.

06/12/2026

06/12/2026

Today, I am shattered.

Earlier this week, members of Alberta's disability community became aware of an individual who expressed that the transition from AISH to ADAP had left him feeling hopeless and overwhelmed. A number of us did everything we could to connect him with help and emergency supports. When I became aware of the situation, I worked quickly alongside others to locate information that could assist emergency responders in reaching him.

Today, we learned that he has passed away.

I am heartbroken. I am angry. I am grieving. And I know I am not alone.

My heart is with his family, friends, and everyone who knew and cared about him. It is also with the countless Albertans with disabilities who are carrying fear, uncertainty, and anxiety about what the future may hold.

This loss is devastating. It is a reminder that behind every policy discussion, every government announcement, and every budget decision are real people trying to survive, maintain their independence, and live with dignity.

I cannot change what happened, but I can promise this: I will continue to speak up. I will continue to advocate. I will continue to push for policies that respect the dignity, security, and humanity of people with disabilities. I refuse to allow this moment to be forgotten, and I will carry it with me as I continue this work.

If there is one thing I hope comes from this tragedy, it is that we listen more carefully to the people living these realities. Their voices matter. Their experiences matter. Their lives matter.

To everyone in our disability community who is struggling right now: please reach out. Please talk to someone. Please let others support you. You matter, and your story matters.

Today, I am grieving alongside so many others. Tomorrow, I will continue advocating for a province where people with disabilities are treated with dignity, respect, and compassion.

You will not be forgotten. 🕊️

If you are in crisis or worried about someone else:
📞 Call or text 988
📞 Alberta Mental Health Help Line: 1-877-303-2642
📞 Call 911 if there is an immediate risk to life

06/12/2026

Hi Community!

Safe Harbour is in need of a few things!

- Flip flops (all sizes, all genders)
- Shoes (all sizes, all genders)
- Baby Wipes
- Makeup (New, all shades)
- Paint & Paint Brushes
- Bottled Water
- Mens Tshirts (All sizes)
- Deoderant (All Genders, any scent/brand is fine!)

For donation arrangements, please contact:
jayme.mayo[at]safeharboursociety.org
allison.brown[at]safeharboursociety.org
or call/text 403 505 8702. Texting is preferred.

06/12/2026

🏳️‍🌈 Reminder as Pride season is here!

As an agency, we do not post photos of our youth or young adults. In fact, we rarely post photos of anyone involved with our programs. We understand all too well that the internet is a public space, and that public visibility can create real safety concerns for Two Spirit, Trans, and Q***r people.

Yesterday, while attending a market, four individuals walked past our booth while obviously recording us. What is particularly concerning is that one of those individuals was a child whose parent appears to be teaching them that harassment, bullying, and intimidation are acceptable ways to engage with people.

We are aware that videos of our community members are often shared with individuals and groups that openly express hostility toward Two Spirit, Trans, and Q***r people. That creates legitimate safety concerns for those attending our events and accessing our services.

We will not engage with individuals who are recording, intimidating, harassing, or attempting to provoke our staff, volunteers, youth, or community members. Instead, we will contact security or law enforcement when necessary.

Everyone deserves to feel safe accessing community spaces. We will continue to take whatever lawful steps are necessary to protect our youth, staff, volunteers, and community members.

We also want to extend our sincere thanks to the businesses, organizations, agencies, event organizers, security teams, and community members who actively work to keep our spaces safe. Your willingness to stand with us, speak up, and take action when needed makes a meaningful difference. Community safety is a shared responsibility, and we are grateful for those who continue to show up for Two Spirit, Trans, Q***r, and allied communities.

06/12/2026

We have been experimenting with different flavours of fry bread to sell at our local markets.

Today’s was cheese & Serrano pepper.

What should we make next?