Amethyst House a fresh start for permanent housing in Red Deer
Wanda Essex, 55, first moved into the Buffalo Hotel in March 2018, but now calls Amethyst House home.
Amethyst House (4124 50 Ave) is the new 48-unit permanent supportive housing complex operated by the Canadian Mental Health Association on the outskirts of downtown Red Deer; it had its grand opening on Friday, and replaces the aged Buffalo on Ross Street.
Formerly the Econo Lodge Inn, the repurposed motel is a tad comfier, says Essex, who moved in just over a month ago.
“I’m very grateful. There are a few people I’ve seen on the street recently who should take advantage of this,” says Essex, who’s been clean for three years and lived in Red Deer for 20. She used drugs for the bulk of her life since turning 14 in her home province of Ontario.