Since opening in January 2024, Edmonton’s Navigation and Support Centre has been a one-stop shop for critical services for vulnerable Albertans. By putting a wide variety of wraparound supports and service providers under one roof, Navigation and Support Centres significantly reduce the barriers vulnerable Albertans face to accessing these critical supports.
Following the success seen since the opening of the Edmonton Navigation and Support Centre, which has helped more than 7,780 unique individuals and made more than 33,700 connections to critical supports and services, Edmonton’s Navigation Centre is now moving into a larger facility that allows staff and service providers to better assist clients. The centre, which will continue to be operated by Hope Mission, is moving from the Karis Centre building to the Bissell Centre West, which is located close to emergency shelters and other supports. The new location also offers additional space, which will provide individuals more privacy as they receive support from service providers at the centre.
“By bringing critical supports and services under one roof, the Navigation and Support Centres have become vital hubs for those experiencing homelessness. Moving Edmonton’s Navigation and Support Centre into a bigger space will allow the centre’s dedicated front-line staff to help even more people access the supports they need.”
Navigation and Support Centre services
When an individual arrives at a Navigation and Support Centre, their needs are assessed and they are connected to the appropriate service providers. Services include:
- transportation to and from the centre
- access to financial benefits
- onsite and same day Alberta identification
- help finding shelter including food, showers and clothing
- connection and referrals to housing supports
- locked storage for belongings
- support for those with pets
- medical support and connections to the Virtual Opioid Dependency Program (VODP) for same-day access to addiction medical specialists and life-saving treatment anywhere in the province
- connections to other mental health and addiction services and supports provided by Recovery Alberta
- access to Indigenous cultural supports
Homelessness in Alberta
Through Budget 2025, Alberta’s government is investing an unprecedented $220 million into combatting homelessness, supporting thousands of shelter spaces across the province. In Edmonton, Alberta’s government supports more than 2,000 shelter spaces, including 150 Indigenous-led spaces and more than 250 women-only spaces.
Daily capacity and utilization of homeless shelter spaces funded by the province are available online and updated daily.
Alberta's government remains committed to connecting people experiencing homelessness with critical and culturally appropriate services and supports, and will continue to work with shelter operators and front-line service providers to address challenges.
Quick facts
- As of Aug. 15, 2025, the Edmonton Navigation and Support Centre has helped more than 7,780 unique individuals and made more than 33,700 connections to critical supports and services.
- Combined with the Navigation and Support Centre in Calgary, which opened in July 2024, the two centres have helped more than 13,700 unique individuals and made more than 70,380 connections to services that help people reclaim their lives.
Partner Quotes
“During the past year-and-a-half, the Navigation and Support Centre has gone from being one element of a larger initiative, to being a staple in the community. Demand for these services isn’t slowing down, either and because this new location is closer to other agencies, it has the potential to be more efficient. The easier we can make it for vulnerable people to access potentially life-saving support, the bigger difference it can make.”
“The Navigation and Support Centre has provided critical support and connections for people experiencing homelessness in Edmonton. The new location will enhance the services we can provide through this innovative model, ensuring that more people can access critical and life-saving resources.”
“We are excited about the relocation of the navigation centre to our Bissell West building. Multiple services in one location increases accessibility to services. Less time running around means more time accessing supports. This is about making life less complicated for folks who need it.”
"The navigation centre moving into Bissell West is positive news. It puts vital supports right where people need them most. The navigation centre has supported folks getting IDs, housing help, income and health care supports, all in one place. It is making a difference in the community, every single day."
“With the opening of the navigation centres, Bowline Health’s recovery coaches have shown they’ve experienced addiction, homelessness, and hardship firsthand. When they share that they’re living in recovery, everything changes – walls come down, trust builds and people feel truly seen. The move to the larger, more accessible Bissell West will create even more space for connection, privacy and safety – offering understanding, hope and proof that recovery is possible.”
“The navigation centre is a vital hub of supportive wraparound services for our most vulnerable. Our partnership with the nav centre ensures First Nations clients are transitioned and welcomed into culturally grounded spaces like Maskokamik when desired. We value their commitment and dedication, and we commend their continued work as they open a new chapter in their new location.”
“Since opening, the navigation centre has connected over 2,700 Edmontonians to essential health services through Radius, including primary care and wellness supports. We’re proud to continue this work at the new location, offering improved accessibility, enhanced privacy and a welcoming space for individuals seeking compassionate, community-based care.”
Related information
- Navigation and Support Centres
- Homelessness supports
- Shelter usage in Alberta
- New Centre information sheet
Related news
- New supports for vulnerable people in Edmonton (Jan. 17, 2024)
- Encampment removal yields significant improvements (Feb. 3, 2024)
- Navigation and Support Centre remaining open permanently (March 26, 2024)
- Navigation and Support Centre to open in Calgary (June 5, 2024)
- Helping Calgary’s most vulnerable navigate supports (July 2, 2024)