Boyle Street Community Services offering services at 4 temporary locations following upcoming closure

Mannly has been living outside of one of Edmonton’s social services organizations, for about a month now. He’s unsure where he’ll go when the agency closes their doors in just a few days.

“Most likely just across the street, until we get kicked out, like everywhere I guess,” he explained.

“It’s kind of hectic when they say they will help us, then nothing happens or something tragic happens and something goes on with the city.”

Boyle Street Community Services will be closing their doors to this downtown location this weekend, when their lease expires. The organization says their services will be temporarily offered in 4 new locations throughout the downtown core.

The charity says it will be another year before their new facility opens, saying it is no longer ‘financially viable’ to stay in their current space. Which was purchased by The Katz Group in 2021.

“Obviously this building doesn’t function the way that we need it to in order to be successful, so in some ways we are happy to see it go, but for our community and those we serve, it’s been their home for a very long time,” said Elliott Tanti, Director of Communications and Engagement at Boyle Street Community Service.

As the days begin to get cooler, and more people need assistance, Boyle Street says they will be prepared to offer the same services they always have, and will update Edmonton’s most vulnerable on where they can continue to get assistance

“We’re ready, willing, and able to help people in the same way we had in the past, and if the need increases we will increase our service delivery to match that,” said Tanti.

Boyle Street says they intend to operate in the four new locations in the downtown area, until construction is expected to be complete at their new location at the end of 2024.

We're excited to share that – thanks to the support of our unwavering partners – we've finalized our new locations in downtown Edmonton for the programs and services previously operating out of our downtown community centre!

— Boyle Street Community Services (@BoyleStreet) September 25, 2023

“These are great partners that have supported us for a long time, and so if complications arise, the relationships exists there to ensure service delivery will continue,” said Tanti.

For Mannly, he’s thankful Boyle Street will continue to provide services to those who need it most.

“When you ask for a plate, they help you out. I’m kind of relieved that they will still be open to provide their assistance and services for us.”