Lakeland Out of the Elements Shelter Society (LOESS) is proud to share the results of a transformative year in our mission to support individuals experiencing homelessness in our region. In 2025, LOESS built on several years of intentional planning and investment, advancing our unique 12-pillar transitional housing and coordinated care model to help participants move from emergency shelter to stability, independence, and community reintegration.

Board Leadership and Program Development The LOESS Board established robust policies and procedures and hired experienced staff to implement best practices for diverse participant needs, including those facing addiction, mental health challenges, or returning from treatment. Staff were encouraged to use their strengths to support participants, and the organization’s 12-pillar model ensured emergency shelter clients received comprehensive wraparound services.

Service Delivery and Community Impact

• Transitional Housing: Stage Two transitional housing beds remained fully occupied throughout the year, reflecting sustained community need and the effectiveness of LOESS’s approach.
• Case Management: The case management program expanded, with each participant assigned a dedicated staff member for immediate and long-term needs. Wraparound support was strengthened through regular meetings with LOESS’s 18-member community services team.
• Staffing and Safety: The Board approved measures to maintain at least two staff members per shift, ensuring compliance with OHS regulations and maintaining trusted relationships. By year’s end, contingency funding and $100,000 in volunteer services were fully utilized.

Basic Needs and Financial Stability

• Meals Provided: LOESS responded to growing demand by serving 19,996 meals in 2025—a dramatic increase from 8,092 in 2024 and 7,053 in 2023.
• Income Support: 15 participants successfully accessed Income Support or AISH, improving their financial stability and readiness for long-term housing solutions.

Program Quality and Cultural Responsiveness

• LOESS invested in program quality by hiring a full-time Cultural Support staff member, enhancing life skills programming, mental health supports, and culturally informed services.

Governance and Community Engagement

• Governance capacity grew with the addition of two new board members, strengthening community consultations, leadership, accountability, and organizational sustainability.

Participant Outcomes

• 23 individuals successfully transitioned out of the shelter system, including:
• 2 who entered addiction treatment (one graduated from a 63-day program)
• 9 reunited with family
• 2 enrolled in college, reunited with their children, and moved into student housing
• 6 relocated to other communities and secured accommodation
• 3 obtained both employment and stable housing. Each transition represented a tailored pathway toward independence, stability, and community connection, supported by LOESS case management workers.Strategic Initiatives and Future Planning

• LOESS began developing plans for permanent supportive housing for 10–12 participants who are unable to live independently, addressing a critical service gap.
• The organization-initiated care solutions for two senior citizens with complex needs, ensuring continuity of care and pursuit of suitable long-term accommodations.
• LOESS retained a contract Law Enforcement Liaison Officer to address criminal gang threats to shelter operations.

Challenges and Next Steps

• Unpredictable funding and rising demand continue to constrain safe staffing and service delivery. In 2026, LOESS will seek stable operational funding from the Government of Alberta to support continuity of care, staff and participant safety, and long-term sustainability.
• A review of the shelter’s physical location with the County will identify opportunities to enhance service delivery and minimize impacts on neighbouring residents and businesses.

Acknowledgements LOESS extends heartfelt thanks to our funders, including the Alberta government, Lac La Biche County, donors, volunteers, and community partners, for their ongoing support.

Lenora M. LeMay

LOESS Board Chair