Heart Home Network is among the organizations supported through the broader charitable initiatives of the Brenda Strafford Foundation. Through a network of programs and supports, we work alongside people on their journey toward safety, stability and a life free from family violence.

Established in 1996 in response to a dire need in Calgary for longer-term accommodation and substantial support for women and children exiting emergency shelters, Heart Home Network provides safe housing, counselling and comprehensive support services for women and their children who have experienced domestic violence situations or who have a history of trauma.

Located in Calgary and one of the largest second-stage shelters in the country, Heart Home Network offers 34 Second-Stage Shelter and 51 Progressive Housing self-contained apartments plus wrap-around supports for residents. The women and children in our safe housing programs participate in a range of counselling and support programs designed to help them heal, break the cycle of abuse, and transition to an independent, healthy and resilient life in the community.

Guided by the mission to provide a future where people can live life to the fullest in caring and supportive communities – guided by the preservation of dignity and the pursuit of happiness, we continue to strive to provide the highest standard of services for clients in their transition from domestic violence.

Our Goals

• To provide flexible, accessible, and secure transitional housing, programming, and support services for women and their children who have been assessed by crisis shelters.
• To break the cycle of abuse and achieve long-term stability for women and their children who have been subjected to family violence.
• To decrease the length of stay and the frequency of re-admission of women who are housed in shelters and have decided to leave their abusive situation, but for whom housing and security are the primary barriers to departure.

Our Commitments

• To provide social, emotional, and psychological support for families that come to Heart Home Network.
• To ensure and/or provide counselling for families to alleviate the impacts of violence and break the abuse cycle, including support to understand working towards long-term healthy relationships.
• To assist families to achieve long-term stability and to access employment, food, household goods, clothing, furniture, adequate and affordable housing, and other necessities for independent living.
• To enable women to be successful as tenants, family members, and members of a community.
• To build on the assets and strengths of residents.

Why Your Support Matters

Heart Home Network provides more than housing. Through safe accommodation, counselling, programming and individualized supports, we help women and children access the resources they need as they work toward safety, healing and long-term stability. Donations help ensure families can continue to access these services and supports while rebuilding their lives.

Philanthropic support also helps Heart Home Network invest in spaces, programs, and opportunities that enhance the wellbeing of residents and contribute to positive outcomes for families.

Current Funding Priorities

Youth Enrichment Initiative

The Youth Enrichment Initiative supports children and youth living at Heart Home Network through enhanced recreational, educational, and social opportunities. This initiative helps create safe and engaging spaces where children and youth can learn, connect, and participate in activities that contribute to their wellbeing and development.

Investing in Residents' Wellbeing

The Investing in Residents' Wellbeing Initiative focuses on improving comfort and quality of life for residents through the installation of a centralized air conditioning system. This initiative will help ensure families have access to comfortable living environments during periods of extreme heat.

Home Renewal Initiative

Windows of Opportunity will replace aging windows throughout all 85 suites at Heart Home Network. This investment will improve comfort, privacy, insulation, and energy efficiency while creating more welcoming living spaces for families as they work toward healing and stability.

Through these initiatives and our ongoing programs and services, Heart Home Network continues to provide safe housing, comprehensive supports, and opportunities for women and children to build healthy, resilient, and independent lives in the community.