The recent provincial budget for Alberta will allocate some money to housing funding, but advocates are concerned that this funding won't be enough to create real change.
In February, the province announced that it will give $24.5 million in 2024-25 and $70 million over the next three years to create new homeless shelter spaces and support operational costs.
Shortly after the budget announcement, Hope Mission was fundraising through its annual Cold Hands, Warm Hearts walkathon, with volunteers walking up to five kilometres in downtown Edmonton to raise money for healthcare and shelter resources.
More than 50 teams participated in the fundraiser, which aims to support people experiencing homelessness in Edmonton.
Tim Pasma, the director of programming at the Hope Mission, stated that the number of people experiencing homelessness in Edmonton has increased, leading to a greater need for support services. He emphasized the importance of having more resources to help those in need.
Tim Pasma expressed satisfaction with the budget, acknowledging that the challenges in addressing homelessness will take time to resolve. He also appreciated the ongoing communication with provincial partners.
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The provincial government has also earmarked $717 million in capital grants to advance Alberta’s Affordable Housing Strategy.
Operating support for the Seniors’ Lodge, Social Housing and Specialized Housing, as well as Rental Assistance programs, was increased by $38 million in the 2024-25 budget cycle.
Members of the Edmonton Coalition on Housing and Homelessness believe that the budget does not provide enough funding.
According to spokesperson Jim Gurnett, the lack of funding for affordable housing and social housing ensures that homelessness will continue to grow in the province, which is a missed opportunity to make a positive impact for people.
Gurnett stated that Edmonton is experiencing a housing crisis and requires more assistance from the province, a need that the budget shortfall will not address.
He also noted that the government seems ready to let people remain in unsafe or unaffordable living conditions rather than making long-term investments in their well-being.
Alberta’s Seniors, Community and Social Services Minister Jason Nixon met with local leaders to discuss Edmonton’s homelessness and housing crisis on Tuesday.
Nixon expressed his desire to provide more help; however, he emphasized the need for support from the federal government to effectively address current housing issues.
He mentioned the importance of calling for appropriate funding across the country to address housing issues, particularly in Indigenous communities, and stressed the need for cooperation between the federal government and the provinces and municipalities.
