Living Local - Telling the Stories of Edmonton Community Leagues
BUILDING BELONGING: ATHLONE COMMUNITY LEAGUE WELCOMES VETERANS' HOUSE
Images courtesy of George Hong & Veterans' House Canada
Edmonton is a city in the midst of a profound transformation. As our population climbs and the demand for diverse housing options intensifies, the fabric of our neighborhoods is evolving. While change can often bring uncertainty, the Athlone Community League is demonstrating that with proactive engagement and by embracing a spirit of hospitality, new housing developments can become a catalyst for a stronger, more connected community.
The heart of this story lies in a partnership between the Athlone Community League and Veterans’ House Canada. As construction nears completion on a brand-new affordable housing project specifically designed for military veterans, the transition from "construction site" to "neighborhood home" is well underway. This success is rooted in a foundation of open communication that began long before the first shovel hit the ground. Veterans’ House Canada prioritized a relationship with the Athlone board from the outset, ensuring that community engagement was an ongoing dialogue rather than a one-time presentation.
Athlone Community League and Veterans’ House Canada
The strength of this bond was on full display on Saturday, February 28, when the community moved beyond mere acceptance of the project and into a role of active advocacy. Veterans’ House organized a fundraising walk, the Coldest Night of the Year, to support the facility, and the Athlone Community League stepped up as the ultimate hosts. By opening their community hall as the event’s central hub and recruiting a group of dedicated volunteers to manage the logistics, the League turned a charitable event into a neighborhood celebration. They even fielded their own team of walkers to hit the pavement alongside their future neighbors.
The EFCL was proud to join the effort with our own team, named Enduring Frost, Connecting Leagues. Between the residents, the veterans’ advocates, other teams and the EFCL staff, the combined fundraising total hit over $57,000! While the financial contribution is significant, the symbolic value of the event was even greater: it signaled to incoming veterans that they are moving into a place where they are already known and supported.
At the EFCL, we recognize that many Leagues face immense pressure as their neighborhoods adapt to infill and affordable housing projects. As volunteer-run organizations, boards often feel they lack the capacity or resources to navigate these complex changes. Athlone’s approach offers a powerful lesson.
Enduring Frost, Connecting Leagues
When the Veterans’ House Edmonton affordable housing project opens in the spring, the Community League will be an important partner in welcoming the new community members to the neighbourhood. According to the Veterans’ House Canada website: “Veterans transitioning to civilian life often face significant challenges. About 25% of Canada’s Veteran population encounters difficulties transitioning from military to civilian life”. Housing with built-in supports is one way challenges like these are being addressed. Community Leagues are an important platform for overcoming the isolation and loneliness often faced by veterans and Athlone Community League is rising to this occasion.
To support other Leagues in fostering these vital connections, the EFCL offers specialized resources including our Community Leagues' Role in Advocacy and our Guide to Community Engagement. Our team is also ready to provide direct support in building partnerships and creating inclusive policies. As we look toward the grand opening of the Veterans’ House project this spring, we thank Athlone for leading the way in creating a true place of belonging.