Mind-blown. It is such a natural hive-mind decision, it never occurred to me how fascinating the 'stop and wait' really is!

This centre did not get funding it required to remain operational.

Her book Better Now: Six Big Ideas to Improve Health Care for All Canadians is a fantastic read! 💙📚 #booktok

This is more than a closure. It’s the loss of a place where people felt they mattered. And Edmonton is worse off without it. @AmarjeetSohi.bsky.social @AaronWardDene.bsky.social @MichaelJanz.bsky.social @TimCartmell.bsky.social @ErinRutherford.bsky.social @JanisIrwin.bsky.social #BissellCentre 12/12

Bissell Community Space wasn’t just a building—it was a lifeline. The space, the staff, and the support they provided helped thousands of people navigate incredibly difficult circumstances. Edmonton is now missing a crucial resource, and it will be felt deeply by many. #YEG #YEGCares 11/12

The closing of Bissell means that all staff are now without jobs or leads on where to go next. These are the people who made such a difference in the lives of vulnerable individuals, and they’re now left without a place to continue their critical work. #YEG 10/12

Staff didn’t just offer services—they offered dignity, belonging, and hope. They knew everyone by name and understood the trauma many of the community members faced. Their compassion and dedication made all the difference for so many. #YEG #YEGCommunity 9/12

I’ve cried many tears with community members who are now unsure of where to go, who will care for them, and who will care about them. The real loss isn’t just the building—it’s the destruction of a community, the loss of that vital support. #YEG #bissell 8/12

Hundreds of cups of coffee and snacks were given daily. Staff created a safe space where people felt cared for. Every day, community members had access to a warm environment, clean clothes, and a moment of peace—a lifeline in their often chaotic lives. #YEG #YEGSupport 7/12

Staff and volunteers were expertly trained to properly spot and assess overdoses. This ensured that Narcan was only used when necessary, saving lives and preventing inappropriate use. The training staff received was second to none, ensuring everyone’s safety. #YEG #HarmReduction 6/12

I witnessed a woman walk in with all of her life’s belongings in a shoebox. Within an hour, she had housing support, spoke with a nurse, and was given a way to carry her items through the rain. Bissell was there when people needed help the most. #YEG #endhomessless 5/12

But these numbers don’t capture the heart of what’s been lost. Bissell was a place where people could relax, find a moment of peace, and connect with others. Memorials were held quarterly to honor lives lost on the streets—lives too often forgotten. #EndPoverty #YEGCommunity 4/12

In just one year:

112,653 check-ins

8,893 showers taken

2,330 loads of laundry (limited due to broken machines)

2,149 people connected with housing services

These numbers show the vital role Bissell played, but the real impact was far beyond stats. #YEG #endhomelessness 3/12

Staff knew community members by name, understood their struggles, and stood by them through life’s hardest moments. I’ve seen staff help someone get to a critical specialist appointment and cheered on a man heading to a job interview after a shower and fresh clothes. #YEG #YEGSupport 2/12

Here is how:

#bluesky101

Recommeded reading: Fire Weather by John Vaillant

#booksky 💙📚