\n\tEdmonton’s mayor and police chief applauded Tuesday a provincial plan to create more shelter spaces in the capital city.<\/p>\n
\n\tAlberta’s UCP government is offering an additional $5 million to shelter operators in exchange for creating 450 new “temporary winter spaces.”<\/p>\n
\n\tThe province already funds 777 “emergency shelter spaces” and 300 “longer-term shelter spaces” in Edmonton, at a cost of $20 million a year.<\/p>\n
\n\tSome of the spaces will specifically be for women and Indigenous people.<\/p>\n
\n\t\u201cAlberta\u2019s government is laser-focused on tackling homelessness and poverty in Edmonton and across the province,” said Jason Nixon, minister of seniors, community and social services.<\/p>\n
\n\t“This call for applications from providers is a necessary step to increase the city\u2019s shelter capacity, especially for women and Indigenous people struggling with homelessness.\u201d<\/p>\n
\n\tThe province said the funding will allow Edmonton shelters to operate 24-7 while also evening a funding differential with Calgary, something Mayor Amarjeet Sohi has been demanding for months.<\/p>\n
\n\t“Edmonton is experiencing an unprecedented housing and homelessness crisis,” Sohi said in a news release.<\/p>\n
\n\t“I am so pleased to see that the Government of Alberta is looking to create additional permanent shelter spaces that are Indigenous-led and for women as we continue to work together on long-term solutions.”<\/p>\n
\n\tSohi said about 3,000 people experience homelessness in Edmonton every day.<\/p>\n
\n\tWhen asked on Monday about a rise of violent crime in the city, he said affordable housing and shelter spaces are part of reversing that trend.<\/p>\n
\n\t\u201cFamily violence and homelessness are part of a larger network of social issues impacting community safety and well-being in Edmonton,” said chief Dale McFee of Edmonton Police Service.<\/p>\n
\n\t“Additional shelter space with clear service standards and accountabilities will help create a more comprehensive support system for those in need.”<\/p>\n
\n\tInterested operators can find more information online.<\/p>\n