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By rdnewsNOW staff

Provincial Politics

Province topping up supports for shelter spaces

Nov 13, 2025 | 3:17 PM

Alberta’s government says it’s providing an additional $1.8 million this winter to support the operation of hundreds of temporary winter shelter spaces in communities across the province to help ensure there are safe, warm places to go for all who need them.

According to government officials, Budget 2025 is investing $220 million into combatting homelessness and supporting thousands of shelter spaces across the province. They say all provincially funded shelters offer 24/7 access to shelter and support, meaning Albertans can access them during the day as well as overnight.

Government officials say the province’s shelters average 75 per cent capacity for much of the year.

“Winter doesn’t wait, and neither can we. That’s why we’re stepping up with record investments in shelter spaces and supports for our most vulnerable, ensuring Albertans won’t be left out in the cold – not this winter, not ever.” said Jason Nixon, Minister of Assisted Living and Social Services, in a press release.

The province says it has worked closely with shelter operators to put contingency plans in place to surge shelter capacity if more spaces are required.

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“Hope Mission is deeply grateful to the Government of Alberta for this vital support,” added Tim Pasma, senior director, Hope Mission. “These resources will save lives, providing warmth, dignity and compassionate care to vulnerable Albertans experiencing homelessness during the harsh winter months.”

“Investing in shelter spaces is not only an act of compassion, it’s a practical and necessary response to the realities of life in Alberta – especially in northern and rural Alberta,” noted Candice Sutterfield, president, Cold Lake John Howard Society. “This support will help ensure no one is left to face -40 temperatures without a safe place to go.”

Navigation and Support Centres

Government officials say they continue to operate their Navigation and Support Centres in Edmonton and Calgary, which act as one-stop shops for critical services for vulnerable Albertans. By putting a wide variety of wraparound supports and service providers under one roof, the province says Navigation and Support Centres significantly reduce the barriers vulnerable Albertans face to accessing critical resources.

Since the first location was established in 2024, the government claims Navigation and Support Centres have helped more than 16,000 unique individuals and made more than 90,500 connections to critical supports, such as identification services, shelter navigation and housing supports, financial benefits, mental health and addiction supports, and other health services.

Alberta government quick facts

• Alberta’s government is investing an unprecedented $220 million this year to combat homelessness.
• Alberta’s government funds thousands of day-and-night shelter spaces across the province, and all provincially funded shelters offer 24/7 access to shelter and support.
  • Alberta’s government funds more than 150 Indigenous-led shelter spaces, and nearly 500 women-only shelter spaces.
  • The temporary winter shelter spaces are funded to be operational from Nov. 1 to April 30, 2026.
  • Through much of the year, Alberta’s shelter system tends to average approximately 75 per cent capacity.
  • Alberta’s government has the ability to surge capacity to increase shelter spaces in the province if required.
  • Provincially funded shelters connect vulnerable Albertans with critical supports and services, provide safe spaces to get out of the elements. Many also provide hygiene supports, clothes and food.
• To date, Alberta’s Navigation and Support Centres have helped more than 16,000 unique individuals and made more than 90,500 connections to critical supports.