A look inside The Hope Mission’s newest shelter in Edmonton

Two months since opening, the new Hope Mission shelter in west Edmonton has already seen near full capacity at times.  

Monday, we got a one-on-one tour of this 24,000-square feet shelter.

“We’ve seen it highly utilized. We’ve been actually above capacity on some evenings when it’s really cold,” said Tim Pasma, the director of programs at Hope Mission.

The shelter is not in your usual location downtown. It’s in an industrial area next to the Yellowhead. But, when someone arrives they can drop off their belongings and get a bed, a meal, shower, laundry, and access to supports like housing, healthcare, and immigration.

“We’re trying to help people along with their housing, help them exit shelter. That could also be into a recovery program, it could be another form of support. Yes, we have emergency care. But, we’re also trying to help people exit the shelter into a better quality of life.”

One of those looking for a better quality of life is Anthony. He entered this shelter about a month ago and says he feels comfortable here.

“It’s a lot better being here than being couch-to-couch, places you don’t really trust. Here, you can trust people here, and it’s safe,” said Anthony.

The shelter comes at a critical time for Edmonton’s homeless. Pasma says between 1,500 and 1,800 people are in an Edmonton shelter, but there are many more who are in need of help.

“We’re seeing unprecedented number of people coming to our doors. Whether that’s for shelter, food services, healthcare, housing supports, addiction treatment/recovery,” said Pasma.

With Christmas approaching, the people at the new shelter enjoyed a Christmas feast. Hopeful for a better new year.