Protecting vulnerable from winter cold

Alberta’s government is making record investments to help the province’s most vulnerable residents this winter, including funding additional shelter spaces to ensure no one is left out in the cold.

Through Budget 2025, the province is committing $220 million to combat homelessness, supporting thousands of shelter spaces across Alberta. All provincially funded shelters provide 24/7 access, allowing Albertans to seek support during the day as well as overnight.

The province’s shelters operate at about 75 per cent capacity for much of the year. As temperatures drop, the government is adding $1.8 million to fund hundreds of temporary winter shelter spaces across communities, providing safe, warm places for those in need.

“Winter doesn’t wait, and neither can we. That’s why we’re stepping up with record investments in shelter spaces and supports for our most vulnerable, ensuring Albertans won’t be left out in the cold – not this winter, not ever,” said Jason Nixon, Minister of Assisted Living and Social Services.

The government has also worked with shelter operators to put contingency plans in place to increase capacity if demand rises.

“Hope Mission is deeply grateful to the Government of Alberta for this vital support. These resources will save lives, providing warmth, dignity and compassionate care to vulnerable Albertans experiencing homelessness during the harsh winter months,” said Tim Pasma, senior director of Hope Mission.

“Investing in shelter spaces is not only an act of compassion, it’s a practical and necessary response to the realities of life in Alberta – especially in northern and rural areas,” said Candice Sutterfield, president of the Cold Lake John Howard Society.

Alberta continues to operate its Navigation and Support Centres in Edmonton and Calgary, which offer a range of services under one roof, including housing supports, health services, and help accessing identification and financial benefits. Since opening in 2024, the centres have assisted more than 16,000 people and made more than 90,500 connections to critical supports.

The temporary winter shelters are funded to operate from Nov. 1 to April 30, 2026, and the province also supports more than 150 Indigenous-led shelters and nearly 500 women-only shelter spaces.