Edmonton Navigation and Support Centre relocating to larger space
Posted August 18, 2025 6:27 pm.
Last Updated August 19, 2025 2:08 pm.
Edmonton’s Navigation and Support Centre is moving into a larger facility.
The centre is relocating from the Karis Centre building to the Bissell Centre West, which is close to emergency shelters.
“It’s not just about bringing in more people to the centre, it’s also about enhancing the quality of care that we can provide and the quality of conversations that we can provide,” said Tim Pasma, the senior director of programs for Hope Mission.
The Alberta government says the additional space will provide more privacy, and allow staff to better assist those using its services.
The navigation centre will operate on the Bissell Centre main floor, while the Bissell Centre’s own supports will be on the second floor.
“The best way we can support people who are moving out of poverty is to be working in collaboration with service providers and community members and all levels of government,” said Johanna Knettig, the Co-Ceo of Bissell Centre.
The province says Edmonton’s Navigation and Support Centre, which is operated by Hope Mission, has helped 7,780 people since opening in January 2024.
The centre’s services include access to financial benefits; help finding food, showers and clothing; connection to housing supports; locked storage; and medical support.
“Every single day we are coming across a host of vulnerable individuals that need a support centre like this,” said Acting Insp. Mike Kembel, EPS Community and Youth Support Branch. “If there is a barrier because they have something with the judicial system but this could be a benefit to them, then we have the ability to be creative in how we’re going to deal with that.”
The navigation centre is already open to the public. Pasma says one goal is to eventually add shelter beds to this space.
–With files from James Dunn
