It never stops at the St. Albert Food Bank and Community Village, but in December, it really never stops.
Suzan Krecsy, executive director, said Wednesday her organization has served twice as many people experiencing homelessness in 2024 as it did in 2023.
Speaking as more than a dozen volunteers buzzed about filling Christmas hampers in the back end of the complex at 30/50 Bellerose Drive, she said they expect to distribute 550 of them this Friday, Dec. 20, up from 402 in 2023.
For the month, Krecsy thinks they crested 1,000 regular hampers, another possible high-water mark with the historically challenging January coming up behind the holidays like a freight train with no lights. It's a popular month for rent increases, those credit card statements following the frenzy of December arrive (even in the mail) and heating bills, where applicable, don't take a break, either.
St. Albert city council approved more than $1.2 million in funding and grants for non-profit agencies such as the food bank Dec. 17.
Krecsy is "thrilled" city council chose to fund the organization again in 2025, to the tune of more than $200,000. The funding, which is similar to what the Village has received from the city in the past, includes about $86,000 for a community liaison as it has for the past 14 years, a title for a senior social worker that captures more of the varied work she does to help clients access services provided by the Village, and to connect them to those it doesn't.
The consistent funding has allowed the organization to build a reputation as the go-to for folks who need a helping hand. One person who walks through the door may need food support. The next could be experiencing homelessness. Another may be having thoughts of self-harm.
Whatever the oft-complex circumstance, the experienced social workers at the Village can either help themselves or know who to connect the client with.
"When we started 14 years ago, she was the first social navigator we had," Krecsy said. "She did all the initial intakes and referrals and (the position) organically morphed to what it is today."
Life support
Muna Abdulhussain, newcomer manager of St. Albert and District Further Education Association appeared before council in person Tuesday to say she really appreciates the city’s support.
The organization supports newcomers to the city (and to Canada) connect with services and amenities that make life better and more affordable.
“Your investment goes beyond financial assistance,” Ahmad Sanni, the group’s chair said. “It has directly impacted the lives of individuals and families and helped them integrate, thrive and contribute to our community.”
In 2023 and 2024, the organization has supported more than 1,000 people, including more than 600 from Ukraine.
“We are now witnessing a new wave of diversity in our community,” he said. “This year alone, we have welcomed 640 individuals, including families South America, to Philippines, Middle East, Cameroon, Nigeria, China, Thailand, and other regions.”
Like Krecsy, Sanni only sees the demand for the Education Association's services growing in 2025. He said employment continues to be the most urgent concern for newcomers when they arrive in Canada.
"Together, we can ensure St. Albert remains a welcoming, inclusive and supportive community for everyone who calls it home."
The 2025 FCSS grant recipients are:
- St. Albert Family Resource Centre, $170,000 for the Family Life Education Program
- St. Albert Community Village and Food Bank, $86,004 for a community liaison
- St. Albert Stop Abuse in Families Society, $16,953 for education, $67,964 for youth counselling
- St. Albert & District Further Education Association, $72,744 for Newcomer Connections Program
- Transitions Rehabilitation Association of St. Albert & District, $70,306 for learning sessions
- Boys and Girls Big Brothers Big Sisters of Edmonton and Area Society, $64,229 for mentoring program
- St. Albert Seniors Association, $64,000 for Senior Supports and Services
- Neutral Ground, $10,000 for monthly events
- St. Albert Sturgeon Hospice Association, $6,600 for St. Albert Grief Walks
- St. Albert Bereavement Fellowship, $5,000 for education and support
- Total: $633,800
The 2025 outside agency grant recipients are:
- St. Albert Seniors Association: $267,904
- St. Albert Community Village & Food Bank: $127,983
- Stop Abuse in Families (SAIF): $81,000
- St. Albert & District Further Education Association: $62,350
- St. Albert Housing Society: $50,000
- St. Albert Family Resource Centre: $33,835
- Visual Arts Studio Association of St. Albert (VASA): $16,000
- Wildlife Rehabilitation Society of Edmonton (WildNorth): $10,000
- St. Albert Bereavement Fellowship: $5,928
- Total: $655,000
