Alberta’s government is taking a new approach in shelter services by fostering ongoing partnerships with Indigenous communities to provide recovery-oriented care in culturally appropriate settings. As part of this approach, Alberta’s government has partnered with the Lethbridge Housing Authority and the Blood Tribe Department of Health to expand the city’s emergency shelter. Once complete, the project will expand the existing shelter, increasing shelter capacity from around 120 spaces to more than 230, including dedicated room for on-site recovery-oriented services.
Through the Affordable Housing Partnership Program, the province invested over $4 million to support local partners in addressing challenges relating to homelessness in Lethbridge. The City of Lethbridge has also donated the land, valued at $1.4 million, to accommodate the expansion.
“The expansion of shelter services in Lethbridge will go a long way to help the city’s most vulnerable get the supports they need. Reducing homelessness in Lethbridge is a big challenge but we are confident in the work being done by the Blood Tribe Department of Health and the Lethbridge Housing Authority. We are committed to facing this issue head on by working together with our partners on the front lines.”
“Our most vulnerable populations need housing, and they need it now. This shelter project moves us one step closer to addressing homelessness in Lethbridge and demonstrates what we can achieve when governments and local organizations work together to build the housing we need, faster, through the National Housing Strategy.”
“I’m pleased to see Alberta’s government continue to support the work of the Blood Tribe Department of Health and Lethbridge Housing Authority. This ongoing partnership and investment is helping ensure our community’s most vulnerable have access to the supports they need.”
Minister Nixon and representatives from the City of Lethbridge, the Blood Tribe Department of Health and Lethbridge Housing Authority break ground on expanding the Lethbridge shelter.
Since taking over operations in Lethbridge in January 2023, the Blood Tribe Department of Health has done great work in the region and is currently provided with funding to operate about 120 shelter spaces. Alberta’s government signed a memorandum of understanding in February 2024 with the Blood Tribe Department of Health to continue operating the emergency shelter in Lethbridge.
By strengthening cultural connections and empowering local partners, Alberta’s government is ensuring that communities across the province have the necessary resources to support individuals experiencing homelessness. This includes access to safe and secure shelter, as well as essential supports to help them regain stability and independence.
“This expansion reflects our inherent, traditional obligation as Niitsitapi to look after our people, to ensure their well-being, and to uphold our commitment to supporting all who seek refuge and recovery at our Wellness Shelter and Stabilization Unit. We look forward to working closely with the Government of Alberta, the City of Lethbridge, and all our partners to create a brighter and more hopeful future for those who need it most.”
“We are grateful for the expansion and renovation of the Lethbridge wellness shelter. The additional space will better suit the needs of individuals experiencing homelessness in Lethbridge, and we thank the Blood Tribe Department of Health for their continued collaboration. This space will provide a safe, warm and temporary accommodation while individuals work towards a long-term recovery focussed housing solution.”
“On behalf of the City of Lethbridge, I want to extend my sincere thanks to Minister Nixon, Lethbridge Housing Authority CAO Robin James and my fellow council members for their support in housing, shelter expansion, the resource hub and many other areas for our vulnerable population. The City of Lethbridge has advocated for these steps, and we are pleased to see the rapid progress in addressing the needs in our community.”
The Affordable Housing Partnership Program promotes working together with partners in the public, non-profit and private sectors to deliver affordable housing solutions that are customized for communities to meet local needs and ensure those most vulnerable have a place to call home.
Funding for this project is jointly provided by the governments of Alberta and Canada through the Canada – Alberta Bilateral Agreement under the National Housing Strategy.
Quick facts
- The Blood Tribe Department of Health currently receives over $3.5 million annually to operate about 120 shelter spaces in Lethbridge.
- To address winter capacity issues, in December 2023, the province announced $1 million in funding through the Action Plan on Homelessness to operate up to 50 temporary winter spaces.
- Provincial funding for the shelter expansion is eligible for federal cost-matching under the National Housing Strategy bilateral agreement.
- Alberta's government has also committed $10.2 million toward a permanent supportive housing facility in Lethbridge, which broke ground earlier this year.
Related information
Related news
- Furthering reconciliation through emergency shelter (Feb. 16, 2024)