By Matthew Bretania - 3 min read.
Safe House marked its 40th year on April 14, 2026, a milestone that reflects both its evolution and its enduring core of serving vulnerable youth in Edmonton.
Founded in 1986 as the city’s first program of its kind, Safe House was created to offer more than a bed for young people leaving street life. The program was conceived by Monsignor Irwin and was originally funded by Sign of Hope. From the beginning, it has provided a voluntary, supportive environment for youth navigating trauma, exploitation, and instability[1].
That foundation, staff say, remains unchanged.
“I have been with the Safehouse program for over 37 years,” said Diane Locke. “The needs of our youth have changed but the way that all staff has worked with them has never wavered. Staff have always been able to build a connection, meet the youth where they are at, be accepting and guide them towards achieving their goals.”
Team Leader, Renee Sullivan, echoed that sentiment, describing Safe House as “a space where staff plant seeds of hope and compassion, a place of safety where youth know they’ll feel cared for.”
While the program’s philosophy has stayed consistent, the challenges youth face have grown more complex. Sullivan pointed to “significant trauma,” addictions, and a “lack of belonging,” compounded today by the pressures of social media. Locke added that the rise of opioids, often laced with fentanyl, has dramatically increased the risk of overdose and made exiting street life more difficult.
Despite this, daily life inside Safe House focuses on connection and care. Staff support youth through practical routines like shared meals, creative activities, and counselling, while also celebrating milestones such as birthdays, school achievements, and transitions out of the program.
Importantly, the program remains entirely voluntary. “The youth choose to be here,” Sullivan said, noting that tours and information sessions allow young people to decide if the space feels right for them.
The 40th anniversary brought together past and present staff, offering a moment to reflect on decades of impact. For Sullivan, it reinforced that Safe House “holds a special place for many people in the community.”
Success here, staff emphasized, is not defined by statistics alone. It is found in small, everyday moments, a youth choosing connection, sharing a meal, or taking a step toward their goals.
As Sullivan put it, “progress is a messy, squiggly line… as long as the line keeps moving, that’s success.”
Source(s):
[1] Kirwin, Jeannane Kathol. “Catholic Social Services Sign of Hope: 25 Years-25 Stories.” 21-22. Catholic Charities, 2008.