Over the past several years, Alberta’s government has invested an unprecedented amount into supporting Albertans experiencing homelessness, totalling more than half a billion dollars. In addition to supporting thousands of shelter spaces across the province and programs aimed at getting people off the streets and back on their feet, Alberta’s government established Navigation and Support Centres in Edmonton and Calgary this past year. The Navigation and Support Centres provide a one-stop shop for social services where people can access a wide range of supports in one place, including financial aid, health services, housing supports and more. Since the first centre opened just over a year ago, more than 9,000 unique individuals have been connected to life-changing services.
“Encampments are not a safe place for vulnerable people to live, and we will not abandon our fellow Albertans to freeze in tents where they are being victimized and losing their lives. Homelessness is a shared responsibility between all levels of government and this agreement with the federal government is a significant step in helping to get Alberta’s most vulnerable off the streets and into more stable situations where they can focus on building their futures.”
“In Budget 2024, we made a $250-million commitment to help our provinces and municipalities address the urgent issue of encampments and homelessness. These agreements are an important part of our response, but we know there is more work to be done to expedite the development of affordable, deeply affordable, and supportive housing to ensure that all Canadians have a place to call home.”
As a part of the federal Unsheltered Homelessness and Encampments Initiative (UHEI), the province and federal government signed an agreement in December to strengthen existing provincial investments into supporting the most vulnerable. Through this agreement, about $35 million in federal funding over two years will support the province’s efforts to reduce homelessness, with Budget 2025, if passed, investing $213 million into homelessness initiatives.
“We’re thankful to the Government of Alberta, Minister Nixon, and the Government of Canada for coming together to support practical, community-driven solutions. This bilateral agreement is a critical investment in addressing unsheltered homelessness through innovative, local responses. With this funding, JPWC will launch a much-needed transitional program for individuals leaving medical detox who have no safe, sober place to stay while waiting for residential treatment. This investment enables us to fill a crucial gap in the care system – helping more people successfully reach treatment, stay connected to care and take meaningful steps toward long-term recovery.
This funding will specifically support the implementation of Made-in-Alberta Community Encampment Response Plans, including projects in Edmonton, Calgary, Red Deer and Lethbridge. These projects include investments in shelter safety, accessibility and capacity, as well as transitional housing and supports for Albertans experiencing unsheltered homelessness. Funding will also be used to increase access to navigation services, provide transportation support and pet care for those exiting encampments, and support initiatives tailored and dedicated to populations with specific needs, such as youth, Indigenous peoples and families.
“Lethbridge Housing sincerely appreciates the Government of Alberta for its investment in encampment funding to support vulnerable Albertans. This crucial funding will help provide safer housing options and essential services for those experiencing homelessness. Alberta’s commitment to addressing homelessness demonstrates strong leadership and compassion for our community.”
Alberta’s government continues to work directly with its partners, including municipalities and service providers, to select projects that meet communities’ needs to respond to encampments. Specific projects will be announced once grant agreements are in place.
Budget 2025 is meeting the challenge faced by Alberta with continued investments in education and health, lower taxes for families and a focus on supporting the economy.