Alberta's government is investing in practical solutions so Albertans can get the help they need to overcome addiction and get their lives back. More than $330,000 in new funding for Oxford House supports two new pre-treatment homes in Edmonton, providing safe, stable living environments to about 140 Albertans a year who have completed detox and are preparing for addiction treatment. These new beds are the first of a more than $10-million investment by Alberta’s government to expand pre- and post-treatment housing for Albertans pursuing recovery from addiction in communities across the province.
“The road to recovery is unique for every person. Pre-treatment care provides stability, connection and support while someone is awaiting addiction treatment. These beds are a lifeline for many Albertans on their journey toward recovery.”
While many communities across the province have experienced significant decreases in opioid-related deaths, Edmonton remains the exception. As the epicentre of Alberta’s opioid crisis, Edmonton accounts for more than half of opioid-related deaths in the province. Expanding pre-treatment beds in the city helps fill a critical gap between detox and addiction treatment and is one of many steps being taken to strengthen addiction and mental health services in Edmonton, including the expansion of addiction treatment capacity and enhancing housing and shelter supports.
The Oxford House pre-treatment program provides a safe, stable, structured environment where individuals can build healthy habits while preparing for recovery-oriented addiction treatment. A house lead is responsible for providing 24-7 on-site support for clients preparing for placement in an addiction treatment program. In addition, addiction counsellors and recovery coaches help clients develop skills to prevent relapse and understand treatment and recovery options. One pre-treatment home is designated for men, and one is for women.
“For seven years, I was trapped in severe addiction and total homelessness. I was a person society looked past – someone written off as hopeless. I used my lived experience to build the pre-treatment housing model in Alberta. It fills a gap in care that we are working to address.”
Pre- and post-treatment housing is an important part of the Alberta Recovery Model, helping Albertans navigate their path to recovery and reducing the risk of relapse during times that are especially vulnerable. Since 2023, Alberta’s government has provided funding to Oxford House for pre-treatment services in Calgary, supporting nearly 1,200 Albertans to date and the expansion to Edmonton builds on that success, helping even more Albertans pursue recovery.
Quick facts
- If you or a loved one is experiencing mental health or addiction challenges, call or text 211 Alberta for information on services and supports in your community.
Related news
- Addiction and mental health supports in Edmonton (July 22, 2026)
- Supporting pre-treatment housing in Calgary (Jan. 27, 2023)
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