The Bissell Centre opened the Den of Willows in Edmonton on June 10, 2026, to support people living with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder [1, 2].
This initiative addresses a critical gap in social services for a population that frequently faces a heightened risk of homelessness and other systemic challenges [2, 3]. By providing a stable environment, the facility aims to reduce the instability often associated with the disorder.
The Den of Willows is designed as a supportive recovery house [1, 2]. It focuses on delivering tailored support and housing options specifically curated for the needs of individuals with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) [2]. The facility operates within the city of Edmonton, Alberta, to provide a localized resource for those in need of specialized care [1, 2].
Individuals living with FASD often struggle with traditional housing models due to the cognitive and behavioral complexities of the condition [3]. The new building seeks to mitigate these hurdles by integrating recovery services directly into the living space [1, 2]. This approach allows residents to receive consistent guidance while maintaining a secure home.
The project represents a targeted effort to provide stability for a marginalized group [2]. By combining residential security with specialized support, the Bissell Centre intends to improve long-term outcomes for its residents [1, 2].
“The Den of Willows building was opened as a supportive recovery house for people living with FASD”
The opening of the Den of Willows signals a shift toward specialized, neuro-diverse housing models in Alberta. By moving away from general shelter systems and toward tailored recovery environments, the project acknowledges that individuals with FASD require distinct structural supports to avoid chronic homelessness and successfully reintegrate into the community.
