Centre of Hope Purchases Marshall House, Securing Future for Homeless Support Services
FORT MCMURRAY, AB. — The Centre of Hope (COH) has transitioned from renter to owner of Marshall House, a downtown property that has served as a lifeline for the region’s homeless population for nearly two decades. The purchase marks a significant milestone for the organization, which has served in, and operated the facility for the past five years.
The COH acquired the property from Wood Buffalo Housing (WBH) with the help of a $500,000 grant from the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo (RMWB) and a favourable valuation from WBH. The sale ensures the building will continue to provide essential services, including a daytime drop-in centre and permanent supportive housing, for the community’s most vulnerable residents.
“We are truly grateful for our partnerships and the support that has helped us serve our community,” said Mardi Getty, Chair of the COH Board. “Taking ownership of the building is a milestone that ensures we can continue providing essential services. This space allows us to accommodate all our programming and maintain a welcoming drop-in centre for those who need it most.”
Marshall House was originally built by WBH in 2004 to address homelessness in the region. For 16 years, it operated as an emergency shelter on the first floor, with transitional housing on the upper levels. However, provincial funding for the shelter was cut in January 2020, prompting WBH to approach the COH about taking over the property.
“We see this as a very positive outcome for the community and are excited that we could make it work,” said Andy Carter, Chair of the WBH Board of Directors. “We are thankful to the Centre of Hope and RMWB for working with us to ensure the former Marshall House property remains in service as a supportive space for the most vulnerable people in this community.”
Mayor Sandy Bowman praised the collaboration, calling it a testament to the region’s successful approach to reducing homelessness.
“What we have done together as a community to reduce homelessness has worked,” Bowman said. “This is another good example of an approach that needs to continue, being guided by the people and organizations on the front lines—such as Centre of Hope, Wood Buffalo Housing, and many others. We remain very appreciative of what they do every day to support those most in need.”
The purchase solidifies the COH’s ability to provide stability and expand its programming, ensuring Marshall House remains a cornerstone of support for Fort McMurray’s homeless population.
