Janea Dressler remembers what it looked like when a shelter is just getting started.
After three years working at the emergency shelter in Wetaskiwin, she’s now part of a new phase in Red Deer, where social work is being built directly into the day-to-day operations of the shelter, helping people move through some of the most immediate barriers they face.
“I’m here essentially to make sure nobody’s needs are falling through the cracks.”
As the shelter’s social worker, Dressler’s role is designed to connect people to the right supports and navigate the systems that can otherwise slow progress.
“There are very complex systems out there, so I help navigate those—applications, housing, things like that. I meet with clients, assess their needs, and support them in any way that I can.”
Janea started working casual in the Wetaskiwin shelter three years ago, while she was studying social work at Red Deer Polytechnic. After graduating, she worked full-time in Wetaskiwin until starting in the social worker role in Red Deer when Hope Mission took over shelter operations on April 1.
“I’m just excited to be here and be part of things as they’re starting up. I was there at the beginning in Wetaskiwin and saw that grow. Seeing what’s happened there, and what can happen here, I’m really excited to see how things develop.”
That role was intentionally built into the shelter from the beginning. Adina McKinnon, manager of community initiatives and partnerships, says bringing in a social worker on day one was critical.
“It fills the gaps individuals are experiencing in accessing things like ID, AISH applications, income support, housing supports—really whatever is impeding them from moving forward. A social worker can step in and help fill that role.”
- LISTEN: Embedding Social Work in Shelters (Hope Stories podcast on Apple and Spotify)
Adina says having a social worker embedded in the shelter provides continuity of service that meets a critical need for vulnerable people trying to navigate complex systems.
“When you’re working with multiple service providers, you see the barriers: different processes, different requirements, needing forms signed, or being told to come back at a specific time. That just doesn’t work for our population.”
Addressing those gaps builds on work already underway in the shelter. Services provided by previous shelter operator Safe Harbour—including home care and recovery coaching—will continue, and there are plans to expand further into health services and housing supports.
“Safe Harbour laid the groundwork for where we are now. Now with Hope Mission coming in, we’re able to build on that—creating a strong continuum of care for people.”
- Read more: Shelter opens in Red Deer
One of the most immediate barriers is identification—often the first step in accessing income supports or applying for housing. The shelter is in the process of developing an in-house ID program to help remove that barrier and streamline access, says Janea.
“Once someone has ID, it opens the door to everything else—income support, housing. It gives someone their sense of identity and allows them to move forward.”
As services continue to develop in Red Deer, the focus is on building more coordinated, on-site supports—reducing barriers and creating clearer pathways forward.
“I’m excited to see the connections we can build, both with community members and with other organizations in Red Deer, so we can offer more wraparound supports.”