Alberta shelters are ready for winter
As colder temperatures sweep in, the province is supporting the addition of both temporary winter spaces and year-round spaces in communities across Alberta, ensuring there are appropriate supports and a warm place to sleep for those who need it.
Alberta is now investing more than $116 million in 2024-25 to support the operation of homeless shelter spaces across the province, an increase of $8 million. This increase adds temporary spaces in nine rural communities for the winter months, in addition to permanent spaces in communities of all sizes across the province. With these additional spaces, Alberta’s government is funding about 4,800 shelter spaces across the province this winter.
“As temperatures drop, we are thinking about the needs of vulnerable Albertans. With the addition of temporary winter spaces in a number of communities as well as our continued investment in year-round spaces, we are confident that our shelter system is ready to handle the surge in demand for services. As always, we will continue to monitor the needs of communities so that we can make sure help is there for the people who need it this winter.” — Jason Nixon, Minister of Seniors, Community and Social Services
Alberta’s government has provided funding to increase the number of shelter spaces for women experiencing homelessness and added to the number of Indigenous-led spaces in the province, particularly in Edmonton.
The province has increased total funding for Edmonton shelters in 2024 to $42.5 million, which supports up to 1,800 shelter spaces, the most in the city’s history. Still, Alberta’s government has worked with shelter operators to prepare for surge capacity if more spaces are required. The province funds $42 million in Calgary to support the operation of more than 2,000 year-round shelter spaces.
“Hope Mission is grateful to the Government of Alberta for its commitment to serving the most vulnerable in our communities. Together, we have partnered to develop both permanent year-round and temporary emergency shelter spaces for this upcoming winter. We will continue to work together to meet the needs of everyone coming to our doors.” — Tim Pasma, director of programs, homelessness, Hope Mission
“Across the province, The Mustard Seed has shelter spaces in Calgary, Edmonton, Medicine Hat, and Red Deer, to ensure that no one is left out in the cold, offering warmth, safety, and hope when it's needed most.” — Philip Calvert, chief development officer, The Mustard Seed
“We appreciate the government’s efforts to ensure that every vulnerable Albertan has access to a safe place to stay and access support during the cold weather months. At the Calgary Drop-In Centre, our emergency shelter offers more than just a place to stay, we provide a comprehensive range of services, including health programs, addiction and mental health support, and housing assistance for Albertans who need them the most. We are committed to continuing to work with the Government of Alberta to ensure all vulnerable Albertans have access to the supports they need, especially during the winter months ahead.” — Sandra Clarkson, president and chief executive officer, Calgary Drop-In Centre
Government is also launching a page online that shows daily utilization numbers at shelters in Edmonton, Calgary and the rest of the province. The data is provided directly by the shelters and allows for increased transparency around the capacity of our shelter system.
Alberta’s government will continue to work with shelter operators in the province to address challenges and prioritize services for people with the most critical needs. This includes continuing to operate Navigation and Support Centres in both Edmonton and Calgary. They remain open and ready to support vulnerable Albertans, providing easy access to a range of critical supports and services, all under one roof. As of Nov. 20, the two centres have assisted about 6,700 individuals access a range of supports, such as shelter and housing supports, financial benefits, mental health and addiction, identification services and other health services.
Quick facts
In 2024-25, the overall budget for homeless shelters and community-based organizations is almost $210 million.
Alberta’s government is also providing more than $101 million to support local programs designed to move people out of homelessness and into stable housing linked with appropriate supports.