Edmonton, AB (Rajeev Sharma): The Alberta government is strengthening its commitment to supporting people experiencing or at risk of homelessness by expanding Edmonton’s Navigation and Support Centre into a larger facility.
Since its launch in January 2024, the centre has served as a one-stop hub where vulnerable Albertans can connect with critical services. By offering multiple supports in one location, the centre has already assisted more than 7,780 individuals and facilitated over 33,700 service connections, helping people overcome barriers to stability and care.
Building on this success, the centre will now move from the Karis Centre building to the Bissell Centre West. This new location—close to emergency shelters and community supports—offers additional space to ensure greater privacy for clients and improved capacity for service providers. Operated by Hope Mission, the centre will continue to serve as a vital lifeline for Edmontonians in need.
“By housing essential supports under one roof, Navigation and Support Centres have become lifelines for people facing homelessness. Expanding Edmonton’s centre will give front-line staff the tools and space to help even more Albertans connect with the care they deserve,” said Jason Nixon, Minister of Assisted Living and Social Services.
Comprehensive Supports Under One Roof
Visitors to the Navigation and Support Centre are first assessed and then connected to the appropriate services. Available supports include:
- Transportation to and from the centre
- Access to financial assistance programs
- Same-day Alberta identification services
- Shelter, food, clothing, and hygiene access
- Housing referrals and connections
- Secure storage for personal belongings
- Pet care supports
- Medical help, including access to the Virtual Opioid Dependency Program (VODP) for same-day addiction treatment across Alberta
- Referrals to additional mental health and recovery services via Recovery Alberta
- Access to Indigenous cultural supports
Tackling Homelessness with Record Investments
Through Budget 2025, Alberta is committing an unprecedented $220 million toward addressing homelessness across the province. In Edmonton alone, the province funds more than 2,000 shelter spaces, including 150 Indigenous-led spaces and over 250 women-only spaces.
Daily updates on shelter capacity and utilization are made publicly available to ensure transparency and accountability.
The Alberta government reaffirmed its dedication to working closely with shelter operators, Indigenous leaders, and front-line providers to deliver culturally appropriate, timely, and effective supports for those most in need.
