Homelessness in Edmonton: Learning from Proven Solutions and Facing Our Realities

Image of a community in Edmonton

Shelters fall under provincial jurisdiction. They have legislation, funding and operations. Edmonton’s role is to act as a partner, providing suggestions and advocacy.

Homelessness is a visible and growing challenge in Edmonton. Encampments are expanding, shelters are struggling to meet needs, and public frustration is high. People want solutions that work — not just for those experiencing homelessness but for everyone in our city. To tackle this issue, we need to start with facts, confront the challenges, and focus on proven solutions.

Right now, many people are choosing to stay in encampments instead of shelters. Why? Because the shelter system, as it stands, doesn’t always meet basic needs for safety, security, and dignity. While the Province of Alberta has introduced Shelter Accommodation Expectations (SAE) that require shelters to operate 24/7 and provide basic services, those standards fall short in addressing deeper issues.

The provincial standards mandate that shelters provide meals, laundry services, and a place to sleep. These are important, but they don’t address the barriers that prevent people from using shelters. Overcrowded facilities, lack of privacy, and strict rules around pets, couples, and belongings all contribute to why many individuals feel that encampments — despite their risks — offer a better alternative.

This is where Edmonton’s Minimum Shelter Standards come in. These recommendations focus on making shelters safer, more accessible, and more effective by addressing the gaps in the current system. They aim to create an environment where shelters become a real alternative to encampments.

We know this can work because we’ve seen it succeed elsewhere. Finland’s Housing First model is a global success story. By providing immediate access to permanent housing without preconditions, Finland has drastically reduced homelessness. Today, only a small fraction of the population experiences homelessness, and those who do are quickly supported with tailored services to stabilize their lives.

Closer to home, Medicine Hat has shown that the Housing First approach is effective in Canada. By prioritizing housing and offering wraparound supports, Medicine Hat became the first city in Canada to functionally end chronic homelessness. While the city has faced challenges in maintaining those gains due to economic pressures, its success demonstrates what’s possible when housing is treated as the foundation for addressing homelessness.

Other cities, like Portland, Oregon, have invested in low-barrier shelters that allow pets, accommodate couples, and provide storage for belongings. By reducing the barriers to entry, Portland has seen increased shelter use and a reduction in the reliance on encampments. These examples highlight the importance of aligning services with the needs of those they aim to serve.

Edmonton’s recommendations align with these proven best practices. We propose semi-private sleeping arrangements, gender-neutral washrooms, and accommodations for families and couples. We also emphasize the importance of integrating housing-focused services to ensure shelters serve not only as temporary fixes but bridges to permanent solutions.

But Edmonton can’t implement these changes alone. Shelter funding and operations fall under provincial jurisdiction. The Province must adopt these higher standards and fund shelters accordingly. Without this commitment, the gaps in the system will persist, and encampments will continue to grow.

This isn’t about assigning blame — it’s about collaboration. The City has laid out a clear path forward with practical, evidence-based solutions. Now, we need the Province to take action. By working together, we can create a system that prioritizes safety, security, and dignity for everyone in Edmonton.

Homelessness is a challenge, but it’s not entirely unsolvable. We have examples of success from around the world and right here in Canada. The question is whether we’re willing to invest in the right solutions. Edmonton is ready. Let’s move forward together to build a city where no one has to sleep in a tent and every neighborhood feels safe and supported.

At the end of the day, that’s what matters after all. We all deserve to feel safe in our homes. When we don’t have homes, or even suitable shelter, that’s the real problem.

The message to the province is: Solve it. We’re here to help.