Province announces new reception centre for homeless Edmontonians
Posted January 17, 2024 4:28 pm.
Last Updated January 17, 2024 7:21 pm.
A day after the City of Edmonton declared an emergency on housing and homelessness, the province and Indigenous leaders announced a new reception centre to help houseless Edmontonians, as police say they’re cracking down on encampments.
“On the coldest night of the year — just a few days go — shelter occupancy was only at 74 per cent. Fighting for people’s right to live in encampments in such dangerous conditions is perhaps the biggest disservice to their humanity that I can imagine,” explained Edmonton police Chief Dale McFee.
Edmonton’s police chief pointed towards some advocates fighting against EPS evictions of homeless encampments.
Even harsher words came from Alberta’s public safety minister, as the province is partnering with leaders from the confederacy of Treaty 6 First Nations on the centre, saying those living in encampments are falling victim to violent criminals.
“When you have questions regarding Indigenous People, it’s not to go to the activists — I implore you — we have Grand Chief Thomas here,” said Minister Mike Ellis.
The centre will be run out of Hope Mission in downtown Edmonton. When encampments are evicted, people will be transported to the centre by city bus, where they’ll be provided with health, addiction, financial, cultural, and housing support.
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Alberta’s social services minister says storage will be provided for people to keep their belongings, and pets will be allowed. Calling it a safer solution until permanent housing can be found.
“Our emergency shelter system is safer than this. People that stay inside our emergency shelter system, which I want to stress is the majority of the homeless population, are safer in the shelters than they are on the street,” said Minister Jason Nixon.
The Grand Chief of the Confederacy of Treaty 6 First Nations, appearing with the police chief and government officials, believes the province’s initiative provides a first step toward a long-term solution.
“Encampments aren’t safe places, we need to house our members eventually, but there’s connectors put in place for them to be successful,” said Grand Chief Cody Thomas, Confederacy of Treaty 6 First Nations.
Alberta’s Opposition NDP disputes claims shelters are safe and available for the homeless.
“So when the minister says there’s safe accessible places for people to go, he’s not being truthful,” said Janis Irwin, NDP Housing Critic.
The homeless can register at the new centre during weekdays and once registered, the centre is open 24 hours a day.
