Outreach ministry helps to make homelessness history
Calgary, AB – The Victory Outreach Foundation is a street church and housing ministry that has been helping Calgary’s homeless for over eighteen years, and this Christmas they are launching the final phase renovation of the old 1912 Ogden Hotel for the homeless [aka Victory Manor].  As one staff member said, "We're proud of our programs and now it's time to be proud of our building."

The residents are very excited about this final phase and with good reason, it's their rooms! Residents like Darcy whose life has gone from homelessness to hopefulness. After being on the street for seven years due to major crack addiction, Darcy came to the Victory Manor in May 2009 and finally had an address he could call home.

— photo courtesy Victory Outreach Centre
Residents at the Victory Outreach Centre enjoy a Christmas dinner in the historic Ogden Hotel, built in 1912

Housing, programs and church were a major building block in helping Darcy get on God’s path for his life and break the cycle of addiction. Now with a safe, permanent address he has been able to stay free and rebuild his life.

In 2010, for the first time in seven years, Darcy was offered a full time salaried position. Now drug free with secure housing, a job and support, he is excited about planning his future!

Darcy’s first goal is to get his teeth fixed because he feels embarrassed when he smiles. His second goal is to obtain his license so he can be a volunteer driver picking up men from the Homeless Shelter and bringing them to Sunday Services the same way he was introduced to the program one and a half years ago. After seeing the change in Darcy’s life his employer not only put him on full time salary, but hired two other men from the Victory Manor.

Frank King, the resident addictions counsellor, has seen many lives changed 180 degrees over the past few years; "the atmosphere of this building has totally changed from what it once was and that can only be attributed to Gods presence," said King. He facilitates addictions groups throughout the week that are very well attended, even drawing individuals from the community.

Pastor Don, who is the pastor and founder of Victory Outreach says, "It used to be that people would come to this building to buy drugs, now they come to get set free from drugs, and it’s because of individuals like King who are willing to stand in a dark place and bring God’s light."

The organization hopes to have the renovations completed before the 100 year anniversary in 2012. Restoring this Historic building will Make Homelessness History for many of Calgary’s less fortunate.