With an increased number of people accessing the emergency shelter system in Edmonton, Alberta’s government is taking action to expand shelter services for everyone who needs them. Alberta’s government is committed to having a safe place for women to go and providing culturally informed service delivery for people experiencing homelessness. That is why the province is opening new women emergency shelters, culturally appropriate spaces for Indigenous people and temporary winter shelters.
As part of Alberta’s Action Plan on Homelessness, the province is putting out a call for applications to services providers who are interested in opening permanent Indigenous shelters, women’s emergency shelters and temporary winter shelters in Edmonton. This includes funding to allow Edmonton shelters to operate 24-7 while also addressing a funding differential for supportive housing between Edmonton and Calgary.
“Alberta’s government is laser-focused on tackling homelessness and poverty in Edmonton and across the province. This call for applications from providers is a necessary step to increase the city’s shelter capacity, especially for women and Indigenous people struggling with homelessness.”
More than $20 million is allocated annually to support Edmonton’s shelter operators in providing over 777 emergency shelter spaces and almost 300 longer-term shelter spaces. More than $5 million will be available in 2023 to support up to an additional 450 temporary winter spaces.
"Edmonton is experiencing an unprecedented housing and houselessness crisis. More than 3000 people are experiencing houselessness on any given day in Edmonton, many of whom identify as Indigenous. I am so pleased to see that the Government of Alberta is looking to create additional permanent shelter spaces that are Indigenous-led and for women as we continue to work together on long term solutions."
“Family violence and homelessness are part of a larger network of social issues impacting community safety and well-being in Edmonton. Additional shelter space with clear service standards and accountabilities will help create a more comprehensive support system for those in need. The Edmonton Police Service has many valued partners in this space and looks forward to working with those who take this important step in providing services to society’s most vulnerable. It is encouraging to see positive progress being made on recommendations brought forward by the provincial task force.”
Details about the call for shelter operators is posted on the Alberta Purchasing Connection.
Quick facts
- Alberta's Action Plan on Homelessness includes a commitment of $63 million over two years.
- While the Action Plan is provincial in scope, $19 million was distributed in Edmonton in 2022-23.
- About $22 million is allocated in 2023-2024 to Edmonton homelessness responses.