01/13/2025
📣REMINDER📣
📣Community Update - Velma’s House is Moving
Thank you for your continued support of Velma’s House, our 24/7 safe space where women can access basic needs, resources, compassion, and connection to culture. Since 2021, thousands of women have found safety and refuge at Velma’s House, and your support has been instrumental in making that possible.
As announced in December, we have been planning a move to better meet the growing needs of the community, which required the sale of 566 Bannatyne Avenue. We are excited to share that this part of the plan is complete, and Velma’s House will now temporarily relocate.
To facilitate this move, services will be paused from Monday, January 13 at 1:00 PM and will re-open at the new location on Friday, January 17 at 9:00 AM and will then continue operations on a 24/7 basis.
Partner organizations are aware of this pause and participants will be redirected to those partners for supports and services. Transportation will also be made available where required.
We will also work closely with the new owners to safely redirect participants to the new location as a transition period will be expected.
We recognize the critical importance of ensuring uninterrupted access to safety and support, and we are committed to maintaining 24/7 services once reopened. This move is an interim step as we prepare a permanent new home, designed to better serve the growing number of women accessing Velma’s House. That exciting announcement will be made very soon!
Addressing Community Conversations:
We understand there have been questions about the sale of 566 Bannatyne and concerns about the future of Velma’s House. While the building at 566 Bannatyne has been sold, we want to assure you that Velma’s House remains a program of Ka Ni Kanichihk. It will continue to provide vital supports to women at the new temporary location.
Regarding the future permanent location, we have identified a potential site that will require renovations to transform it into a space that fully meets the needs of the community which requires the temporary location for Velma’s House. We cannot release details about the permanent location until everything is finalized, but we are committed and very excited to share updates as soon as we are able.
Continuing Our Commitment:
Velma’s House remains a vital lifeline during a time of increased social challenges. The growing demand, the toxic substance crisis, and the loss of women to violence remind us daily of the importance of this work. Guided by the vision of Elder Velma Orvis and our cultural leaders, Velma’s House will continue to provide immediate safety, compassion, and connection to culture for women in need.
Your support helps us save lives. We remain grateful for the trust and encouragement of the community, and we look forward to welcoming you to our new temporary home.
With gratitude,
Ka Ni Kanichihk and Velma’s House Team
