The Bonnyville Friendship Centre is announcing the opening of two new purpose-built facilities that will provide safety, stability, and essential support for women and children escaping domestic violence. The Home Fire Shelter for Women and the Home Fire Transitional Home will both open in December.

Purpose-Built for Healing

Both facilities were designed and constructed by GenMec ACL, whose team worked closely with the Friendship Centre to create spaces that feel welcoming, comfortable, and home-like. The buildings were intentionally developed to avoid an institutional atmosphere, ensuring families can settle into an environment that promotes dignity and recovery.

Home Fire Shelter for Women – Opening 8 December

The Home Fire Shelter for Women will open on 8 December 2025, offering 35 beds for women and children requiring immediate protection.
The shelter will provide a range of supports, including crisis intervention, mental health services, danger assessments, elder support for adults and youth, and assistance navigating the court system.

Home Fire Transitional Home – Opening 15 December

Opening on 15 December 2025, the Home Fire Transitional Home will offer 30 beds of affordable housing for families working toward long-term stability.
The focus of this second facility is rebuilding, offering safe and consistent housing while families regain independence.

Both sites will operate with no-cost childcare, ensuring women can pursue employment, education, or personal healing without the barrier of childcare expenses.

Responding to Community Needs

The development of the Home Fire facilities began more than three years ago, following a needs assessment that identified urgent gaps in services for women and children affected by domestic violence. The project later expanded, with encouragement from provincial partners, to include both emergency and transitional supports to better meet the needs of Bonnyville and surrounding communities.

The opening of these two facilities represents a significant advancement in local safety and support services. Through the combined efforts of the Friendship Centre, GenMec ACL, and government partners, families now have access to environments designed for safety, recovery, and hope.