Outreach groups in Edmonton react to Boyle Street ending lease

With Boyle Street leaving its downtown location at the end of the month and a year away from opening its new facility — those who help Edmonton’s vulnerable are asking for compassion for the City’s houseless with a crucial service leaving the area.

“Be cognizant that they’re hurting, they’re hurting people and we have to take care of them as such,” said Judith Gale, Bear Claw Beaver Hills House.

Gale spends many hours on the streets of Edmonton providing outreach and harm reduction to the city’s vulnerable. She expects when Boyle Street leaves its location across from Rogers Place on September 30, the public will likely see an increase in unhoused Edmontonians on the streets.

RELATED:

• ‘Not an eviction’: Boyle Street leaving downtown location by end of month
• New Boyle Street facility gets green light from city – again
• New Boyle Street facility faces zoning issue; relocation plan on hold
• Boyle Street Community Services looks to clear up misconceptions amid relocation

Tuesday, Boyle Street Community Service leaders told media they will continue to offer what services they can while leaning on public and private sector partners for support. But not saying where those services will take place.

A new location for Boyle Street is just blocks North and isn’t expected to open for another year. It’s $5 million short of funding goals, meaning organizations like Bear Claw Beaver Hills House and Gale will be working to fill the gaps.

“As Indigenous people, we have been doing that since time immemorial. Taking care of one another in a good way. And so we just continue,” said Gale.