What can I do to help?

Homeward Trust offers a number of volunteer opportunities throughout the year. Our furniture bank, Find, is also always looking for donations of furniture and small appliances (must be in good condition).

For further information on how you can help our community members in need, please contact us directly. 

What is the difference between absolute and sheltered homelessness?

“Absolute homelessness” refers to individuals and families who have no housing alternatives. These individuals typically sleep ‘on the street’ or in a stairwell, or alternatively they may stay with a friend or find an emergency shelter space.

"Sheltered homelessness" refers to individuals and families who are living in emergency accommodations or condemned housing and do not have a permanent place to live.

What is affordable housing?

Affordable housing refers to lower than average, market owned or rented housing provided to households who earn less than the median income and spend more than 30% of their income on housing. Neither the owner or renter receives ongoing government subsidies.

What is long-term supportive housing?

Long-term supportive housing typically provides permanent accommodation with a support component that enables residents to live as independently as possible. In some instances, resident needs can be adequately met if the housing facility adopts a supportive management model. Essentially, this means that the live-in building manager establishes a relationship with tenants such that external support services can be contacted when a resident appears to be encountering difficulty. At the other end of the spectrum, some people require a facility with on-site, 24/7 support.

What is transitional housing?

Transitional housing provides a secure, healthy living environment where the person or family can receive assistance, counseling and/or treatment and practice life skills, which have the potential to lead to independent living. There is greater potential for success if the person/s has stable living arrangements while counseling/treatment is undertaken.

What is emergency housing?

Emergency housing is intended to provide safe, healthy, overnight shelter for individuals who have nowhere else to go.

I need emergency, transitional, affordable or permanent housing.
Where do I go?

Homeward Trust Edmonton does not own or operate any housing units; however, we are connected to many community agencies that provide accommodation. Please visit Facts and Figures for a list of these agencies.

Where are the shelters in Edmonton?

Shelters are mainly situated in the downtown area of Edmonton. These serve men, youth, women and women with children.  

There are three types of shelter accommodation:

• Emergency Shelters: overnight accommodation to individuals who have no permanent address.
• Short-Term Supportive Housing: temporary housing with support to assist client movement into permanent housing.
• Long-Term Supportive Housing: unlimited stay at a facility that provides 24/7 support to its residents.

The following is a list of shelters in Edmonton:

• Hope Mission
  • Herb Jamieson
  • Women’s Shelter
  • Youth Shelter
• George Spady (detox)
• Youth Emergency Shelter (for youth aged 16-24)
• YMCA (small fee required)
• Women’s Emergency Accommodation Centre
• Salvation Army Short-Term Residence