By Eli J. Ridder

DEVELOPING

Medicine Hat MLA to help lead Alberta’s effort to combat homelessness

Dec 20, 2024 | 12:00 PM

Medicine Hat MLA Justin Wright will help lead a new effort by the Alberta government to address homelessness.

His appointment as co-chair of an expert panel charged with shaping the province’s long-term approach to combatting homelessness.

The announcement Friday comes a day after Wright said a plan to move homeless shelters away from Medicine Hat’s residential areas is underway.

He told a council committee meeting Thursday the city has poorly handled communicating the plan to residents.

His comments came amid complaints from some residents who live near the Mustard Seed.

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CHAT News will be speaking with members of council later on Friday.

Medicine Hat has several organizations that provide shelter to the city’s most vulnerable.

The Mustard Seed said earlier this month it’s preparing to add 20 temporary shelter spaces to its Flats neighbourhood location at the request of the Alberta government.

The additions to its Community Impact Centre on Allowance Avenue Southeast aim to provide safe, warm shelter for vulnerable individuals during the winter months, the organization said.

Dave Conrad, The Mustard Seed’s volunteer director, said on Dec. 12 the shelter expansion is not permanent.

“Across the country right now there are a lot of individuals who have nowhere to go,” said Conrad.

“As the winter continues and as temperatures continue to drop, it can be a very dangerous situation when you can’t find a space inside to sleep,” he added.

This is a developing story. More details to follow.