During this pandemic, it is critical for shelter operators and community organizations to create additional space to meet social distancing and isolation guidelines, establish isolation and care centres, provide capacity to rapidly rehouse people and address other emerging needs.

“Our number 1 priority is to ensure the health and safety of all Albertans. I am thankful our homeless-serving agencies are there to help protect our most vulnerable populations. We will continue to support them throughout this challenging time.”

Jason Kenney, Premier

Government is working closely with municipalities and homeless shelters across the province to create more capacity and to meet local needs.

“Our government is taking COVID-19 seriously and we will do whatever it takes to protect the health and safety of all Albertans. We are working quickly to help municipalities and homeless-serving agencies respond to this pandemic to protect the health and safety of vulnerable Albertans and staff.”

Rajan Sawhney, Minister of Community and Social Services

AHS is providing training to help shelter and isolation centre staff screen individuals. To date, there have been no cases of COVID-19 reported at homeless shelters.

Quick facts

  • Government is providing $25 million to support homeless-serving agencies respond to COVID-19.
  • City of Edmonton
    • The Edmonton EXPO Centre is being activated as an isolation and care centre.
    • Hope Mission and The Mustard Seed will activate additional capacity to meet social distancing guidelines.
  • City of Calgary
    • Isolation and care will operate out of hotel rooms.
    • Alpha House, the Calgary Drop-In Centre, The Mustard Seed and Inn from the Cold will activate additional spaces to meet social distancing guidelines.
  • City of Red Deer
    • Safe Harbour Society has relocated to accommodate an additional 100 spaces.
  • Solutions for additional capacity and isolation centres for Lethbridge, Red Deer and Grande Prairie are being confirmed.
  • Fort McMurray and Medicine Hat have adequate shelter capacity to implement social distancing recommendations and no additional facilities have been activated. Government will continue to monitor the situation in those communities.

Media inquiries