Please choose between the following three options:
Skip to main menu Skip to site search Continue to current page menu and contentMain page content begins here
The City supports the work of Edmonton’s homeless-serving sector, providing funding to social agencies for street outreach and activating the extreme weather response to support vulnerable people. The City also responds to encampments on public land with the goal of connecting people with housing support and preventing large encampments.
In 2022, Alberta Health Services (AHS) observed an outbreak of Shigella among vulnerable individuals in Edmonton’s downtown. The first case was reported on August 17, 2022. The City started working with Alberta Health Services and partner organizations to limit the spread of Shigella.
In response to the Shigella outbreak, the City of Edmonton provided additional funding to extend the operation of the temporary mobile washrooms set up in May 2022 at multiple locations to the end of year (December 31, 2022). The mobile public washrooms are open and staffed with attendants daily from 8am-8pm. Outreach teams and washroom attendants provide individuals using the washrooms with access to hand sanitizer, sanitary wipes, clean clothing and bottled water.
The City has also provided funding to Boyle Street Community Services to expand day service capacity and programming. The funding enables Boyle Street to expand operations from 5-7 days per week, extend operating hours and provide additional hygiene resources (showers) in response to the Shigella outbreak in the inner city.
The City of Edmonton has provided additional funding to extend the operation of the temporary mobile washrooms set up in May 2022 at multiple locations until April 30, 2023.
There are other public washrooms that can be accessed across the city.
The Encampment Response Team (ERT) is a partnership between:
The ERT responds to low-risk homeless encampments across the city and coordinates closures and clean-up. Its goal is to support the safety and well-being of people staying in encampments, housing them directly from encampments before enforcement and clean-up action is taken.
City Peace Officers and EPS take the lead in responding more quickly to high-risk encampments. Our shared priority is the safety of both people experiencing homelessness and the surrounding community.
If an encampment is low risk, the Encampment Response Team:
This process may take a few days or up to a few weeks, based on the risk and available resources.
Note: Closure and clean-up timelines are determined by the level of risk to people staying in the encampment as well as the surrounding community. Risks include the size of the encampment, biohazards, needles, garbage, fire, amount of materials present, propane tanks, and proximity to schools or playgrounds.
If an encampment is high risk, Peace Officers and Edmonton Police Service:
Note: Closure and clean-up timelines are determined by the level of risk to people staying in the encampment as well as the surrounding community. Risks include the size of the encampment, biohazards, needles, garbage, fire, amount of materials present, propane tanks, and proximity to schools or playgrounds.
Emergency shelters are funded and regulated by the Government of Alberta, but the City spends significant time and resources responding to the impacts of gaps in the system. Many people experiencing homelessness can’t or won’t access shelters due to shelter conditions, barriers, limited storage space, and other concerns.
In August 2021, City Council approved the adoption of a Minimum Emergency Shelter Standard to supplement existing shelter expectations and to make it easier for people experiencing homelessness to access shelter. The goal is to work cooperatively with the homeless-serving sector to improve standards, reduce barriers, increase uptake of available space, and help more people exit homelessness by rapidly connecting them with housing.
The long-term solution to homelessness is adequate, affordable housing and support. The City works closely with non-profit housing providers to support the development of affordable and supportive housing through land and grants. This work requires the support of the federal and provincial governments.
| Online | Contact 311 Online |
|---|
If you are calling from outside of Edmonton: 780-442-5311
| Telephone | 311 |
|---|---|
| TTY | 711 |
