Alberta Premier Jason Kenney during the news conference announcing the Homelessness Action Plan on Saturday, October 1, 2022. (Government of Alberta - YourAlberta on YouTube)

By Justin Goulet/LethbridgeNewsNOW

Province announces new plan to address homelessness

Oct 3, 2022 | 8:33 AM

CALGARY – The Government of Alberta has announced details of its plan to curb homelessness.

The Homelessness Action Plan will see $63 million invested in various initiatives over the next two years.

Premier Jason Kenney stated, “How our communities deal with homelessness is key to Alberta’s recovery, and making sure all Albertans have a safe place to stay and access the supports they need remains a top priority of this government.”

The plan was informed by advice and suggestions from the Coordinated Community Response to Homelessness Task Force.

Kenney said, “I would like to thank the community leaders and experts on the task force who stepped up to help address this critical issue for vulnerable Albertans.”

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The Homelessness Action Plan outlines steps being taken immediately by the province, including:

• Expanding the number of shelter spaces for the winter months in priority communities like Lethbridge, Edmonton, and Wetaskiwin, as well as rural communities where there is an urgent and unmet need.
• Moving all provincially funded shelters to 24-7 access to make sure support is available all day and night.
• Piloting a service hub model at shelters in Calgary and Edmonton to connect clients directly with supports and services like recovery, housing, and emergency financial support.
• Equalizing funding between community-based organizations in Edmonton and Calgary.
• Improving data collection and reporting to support innovation, inform decision-making and better understand homelessness.

Alberta’s Minister of Community and Social Services Jason Luan said, “The homelessness task force recommended transformational changes to build a recovery-oriented housing model for Alberta.”

He added that the $63 million in funding “will address key issues identified and support our most vulnerable, while protecting businesses, and community members. I know the change in direction together with our community partners will have a lasting impact on all Albertans.”

The province said that in 2022-2023, almost $166 million is being invested to address homelessness.

More information on the Homelessness Action Plan is available at the Government of Alberta website. The news conference announcing the plan can be viewed below.