A new homeless shelter is set to open in a central Alberta city this winter, offering shelter and hope to numerous residents in need of nightly accommodations. The Hope Mission in Wetaskiwin, located approximately 70 kilometers south of Edmonton, has been running a 42-bed temporary shelter for the past three years. The upcoming permanent shelter, currently under construction next to the existing one, will have the capacity to accommodate up to 75 individuals.
The agency reported that currently, around 65 people are seeking shelter each night. Kelly Row, a chaplain at the shelter, emphasized that the new facility aims to provide more than just basic care, with a focus on transforming lives rather than maintaining the status quo.
Cory Pruden, a success story from Hope Mission’s recovery program in Edmonton, now works as a janitor at the temporary shelter in his hometown. Being familiar with most shelter residents and drawing strength from his Indigenous background, he encourages others by sharing his journey and offering words of hope for the future.
Besides offering beds, the new permanent shelter will also include an emergency shelter, dining hall, and facilities for accessing health services, tax assistance, grief counseling, and addiction support programs. Hope Mission invested $6.8 million in capital funding for the shelter’s construction, with additional support from the Alberta government, providing $3.2 million in capital funding and $2.23 million in operational funding for 2025-26.
The shelter is located on three acres of city land, with plans for the adjacent six acres to potentially house service agencies like detox centers. Hope Mission’s future phases involve developing transitional and affordable housing, with funding efforts currently underway. Wetaskiwin has had a history of debates around homeless assistance, with past closures leading to temporary solutions like encampments.
Construction of the new shelter began in spring 2024 after a brief pause due to city council deliberations. Mayor Joe Branco did not respond to CBC News inquiries regarding the project’s progress.
Overall, the new shelter represents a significant step towards addressing homelessness in the region, providing essential services and support to those in need.