The Archdiocese of Edmonton participates in an ecumenical justice housing initiative called No Room in the Inn, based on the biblical story of Mary and Joseph being homeless after discovering that there was no room in the inn in Bethlehem the night that Jesus was born.
No Room in the Inn appeals to the people of Edmonton and area churches at Christmas time to think about those living in our community who do not have adequate and safe housing in which to live. And during the pandemic when we spent so much time “at home” we became more aware of the importance of a safe place to live.
This year the No Room In the Inn Campaign is supporting Youth Empowerment & Support Services (YESS) to replace the roof on their Whyte Ave. facility:
YESS‘s Whyte Avenue Facility houses their Youth Support Centre (YSC). The YSC is an evolution in youth care and crisis management. Recognizing the need for integrated service delivery that addresses all aspects of well-being, YESS combined all of their services into the overarching YSC in the summer of 2023. The YSC provides a centralized place for those in crisis to get immediate support, stabilization and assessment.
Built in 1911, the Whyte Avenue facility, located at 9310 82 Avenue in Edmonton, has required a number of repairs and renovations over the years to extend its life and provide a safe and comfortable environment for youth experiencing homelessness. The building has been zoned as a shelter and transitional housing building since YESS‘s inception in 1981.
Currently, the facility’s asphalt roof is in dire need of replacement. It is is in poor condition, with constant leaks and multiple patchwork repairs throughout the year. This is causing extensive damage to ceilings, walls and insulation. YESS‘s facilities team can no longer keep up with the constant repairs and maintenance. Replacement is the best option.
YESS does not have the resources to undertake this project. Funding from No Room In the Inn will ensure that this project can be completed as soon as possible so YESS can remain operational and they can continue to serve vulnerable homeless youth at their facility.
Accompanying this invitation is a brochure which can be printed locally, as well as a page which describes more fully the work of YESS and their current need.
Download this NRII Brochure – YESS 2024
I invite all churches and Christian communities in the Edmonton region to consider supporting this year’s No Room in the Inn campaign. Some churches ask their members to contribute on Christmas Eve, some choose a Sunday in December, others make a contribution from the parish/congregation funds.
Yours in Christ, with gratitude for your assistance,
Larry Wright
President, Edmonton and District Council of Churches
Chair, No Room In the Inn Committee
How to Donate:
- Make a cheque payable to your church
Enter “No Room in the Inn” in the memo line. Drop the cheque in your church collection or mail it to your church. All proceeds collected will be forwarded to Canadian Mental Health Association – Edmonton Region. - Cheque payable to Canadian Mental Health Association – Edmonton Region
Enter “No Room in the Inn” in the memo line and mail cheque to:
CMHA Edmonton
#300, 10010-105 Street
Edmonton, AB T5J 1C4 - Donate Online
Visit edmonton.cmha.ca/get-involved/donate/ to make a secure online donation.
