The Canadian Mental Health Association in Grande Prairie has had its request for a zoning application for a property on 110 Avenue and 101 Street to house several of their programs approved by the city.
The new unit, which the non-profit is looking to purchase for around $300,000, will host a number of outreach programs, including addictions services and housing first.
Executive Director Randy Arsenault says the service is busier than ever, and the new space will allow them to further help those in need.
“Mobile addictions see roughly 400 to 500 people a month, housing first has a caseload of approximately 75 clients a month, and disability services, aside from the 50 staff, we have 20 clients.”
“It’s still considered downtown, which we want it to be accessible,” he adds.
Arsenault says on top of the blue ribbon services, it also gives those in the program the opportunity to meet, discuss the future and be a safe space to better themselves in other ways.
“We also have a client engagement room, where our clients come and move forward on their journey for wellness. We have rooms for crafts, we are excited for a little more space than we currently have.”
Currently located on 97 Avenue, Arsenault says the organization hopes to have their new location up and running by April.
The proposal still requires the green light from city council before it will be finalized.