Richard Froese
Many people who live in small rural and remote communities in northern Alberta often say their region doesn’t have the number of social, support and community services needed to serve its people.
Heart River Housing, based in High Prairie, has hosted an annual High Prairie Block Party in the summer for many years to promote services and resources available for people in time of need or crisis and other social and community programs.
A record 25 agencies and organizations were featured at the 2025 Block Party on July 23, two more than last year and about triple the number from before 2020.
About 10 years ago, the event featured just agencies and services based in the High Prairie region. About eight or nine participated.
After not holding the event in 2020, 2021 and 2023, organizers stepped up in 2024 to include as many agencies and services servicing the High Prairie region.
Organizers say many locals – including longtime residents – said they didn’t know that the community was served by so many social and support agencies and services.
That can often be the mindset of local residents in any rural community – that they have to drive outside the region to get the services they need.
In many cases, agencies and services located outside the region have staff who will come to the local region to assist people.
Agencies and services based in the local region are skilled to help people find the supports and services for local citizens they need.
Help and support is always just a phone call – or referral – away.
Based in the local community or outside the region, agencies are eager to help people wherever they live.
Sometimes support workers travel many kilometres to visit people in rural and remote communities. Local agencies know what’s best for people facing various challenges and crises and will connect them with the proper services.
Organizers say the High Prairie Block Party has potential for a strong future.
“To ensure the continued success of the annual Block Party, it’s vital that all community organizations work together and collaborate as a united team to deliver the essential programs and services we each offer,” says Heart River tenant liaison co-ordinator Rhonda Keay, who co-ordinated the recent event.
The Block Party highlights the wealth of support and opportunities available in the local region.
Those who attended the event may not need the services, but it will help them direct others in need to the right resources.
May the Block Party concept to promote support services grow and extend to other regions. Even if it helps just one person, it will be well worth it.
Everyone will need special support and services – a lifeline – at some point throughout life.