Calgary’s Alpha House disappointed after tires on 13 vehicles allegedly slashed

An organization that serves Calgary’s most vulnerable says its operations may be affected after the tires on more than a dozen of its vehicles were allegedly slashed over the weekend.

Alpha House is a non-profit, charitable agency that provides outreach support and programs to individuals affected by substance use in the city.

The organization says it found the damage to 13 of its vehicles Saturday morning.

Communications director Shaundra Bruvall says two to four tires on each will have to be replaced.

“As you can imagine, it’s caused a significant amount of operational stress as we had to move vehicles from other programs so we could cover our existing outreach programs to make sure that operations weren’t impacted,” she said.

So far the group has managed to keep operations of programs like the Encampment Team, Transit Outreach, and the HELP (Human-centered Engagement Liaison and Partnership) Team, formerly known as the DOAP Team,  the same over the last two days despite the speed bump.

Alpha House says it is working with Calgary police on the file.

Meanwhile, Bruvall says the money for repairs has to come from somewhere, adding the new tires will mean less funding for operating.

“It means that we are pulling it from money that would otherwise go to services,” she said. “Certainly an unfortunate situation for a charity like us.”

She says if any individuals or companies are willing to help out monetarily, the organization would be happy to connect.

The non-profit is also always accepting clothing donations.