Homelessness

Recent stories about homelessness


Edmonton's skyline in March 2024.
housing homelessness

How Edmonton compares to cities finding success in tackling homelessness

As Edmonton enters an election year with rising housing prices and record numbers of residents who are homeless, Taproot spoke to experts to explore how other cities have found success transitioning people from being homeless to housed.

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Four people sit behind a table with podcasting equipment.
podcast city council

Homelessness is a feature, not bug, of Canada's housing system, researcher says

Homelessness is an expected outcome of the country's housing system, according to the research lead at a University of Alberta housing lab.

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Hands that appear to belong to an older woman point to the phrase "Circle of Friends" with several dot stickers under it.
city council homelessness

On the agenda: Homelessness, renaming, and Ride Transit

This week, council committees will discuss an updated plan to end homelessness, recommendations from the city's naming committee, and a growing budget shortfall for the Ride Transit program.

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Coun. Tim Cartmell in council chambers.
city council homelessness

Cartmell to push for social agencies to prove value

An Edmonton city councillor wants to use data to track whether homeless-serving organizations that receive city money are improving people's lives, but some in the sector question the effectiveness of more data collection and reporting.

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A photo of colourful tarps, several bikes in disrepair and a person with a cart show a homeless encampment in Edmonton.
health shelters

Homeless reception centre generates big numbers as well as 'abject misery': advocate

The United Conservative Party government describes its recently-launched homeless reception centre as a success, but some advocates for people without housing strongly disagree.

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A sign that reads "Exploring Edmonton? We'll get you started."
city council homelessness

On the agenda: Homelessness emergency, Explore Edmonton, public spaces bylaw

City council continues to meet virtually this week. Council will discuss actions following its declaration of a homelessness emergency, as well as the public spaces bylaw and further financial assistance for Explore Edmonton.

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A group of people stand on the side of a road holding signs. One reads "Housing is a Human Right"; another reads "Shelters Are Not A Home."
city council shelters

The numbers and realities of Edmonton's shelter system

Here's a look at what we know about the supply of shelter space and the factors that affect demand.

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A brick warehouse with a neon sign reading "Mercer" below an older painted sign that says "The Mercer Wholesale Ltd."
business downtown

Boyle Street relocation to Work Nicer space seen as mutually beneficial

It may seem odd for a business-oriented coworking space to offer its facilities to a social services agency in need of a new home, but for Work Nicer founder Alex Putici, it was completely aligned with his mission.

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A map showing the four temporary locations housing Boyle Street's services
downtown podcast

Boyle Street solution seen as heartening but puzzling

Speaking Municipally takes a look at Boyle Street Community Services' move to four temporary locations while it waits for its new facility to be finished next fall.

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