Woods Homes stretches federal grant to help more young people

By Sam Leishman - Lethbridge Herald Local Journalism Initiative Reporter on April 11, 2025.

Herald file photo - New funding as part of the federal government's Reaching Home strategy is hoped to enable Wood's Homes to do even more to help young people in Lethbridge.

New funding means Wood’s Homes is able to do even more to help young people in Lethbridge.

The social service organization recently received $25,000 as part of the federal government’s Reaching Home strategy. That plan launched back in 2019 in an effort to reduce and prevent homelessness right across the country.

The money was allocated to Wood’s Homes through the City of Lethbridge Community Social Development department, which works to enhance health, safety and overall wellbeing in the community.

Wood’s Homes says it stretched the funds as much as possible to create 30 packages to distribute to young adults in need who will be transitioning to their first independent home. Over 60 percent of the funding was spent within the Lethbridge area, including plenty of Canadian-owned businesses.

Those packages contain all the household essentials, like a bed, cleaning products and various other items.

Kelsey DesRoche, Program Supervisor, says packages will be handed out throughout the rest of this year.

“Wood’s Homes is beyond excited to be able to provide this support to young adults,” DesRoche told the Herald. “These packages are not just about the material items for youth. They will also help reduce stress, increase confidence, independence and positive mental health outcomes, with the broader objective of being able to help young people build a foundation they need for successful, independent living.”

Young people looking to take advantage of this opportunity must be part of one of the many programs offered by Wood’s Homes. If you’re currently seeking support, you’re encouraged to call 403-317-1777 to speak with an intake worker.