6 Impactful Ways to Support Individuals Experiencing Homelessness in Edmonton

In 1990, Lieutenant Governor of Alberta Helen Hunley, on the advice of Premier Don Getty, declared the third Monday of February as Family Day, encouraging Albertans to spend quality time with their families.

While Family Day is a time for rest and togetherness, it’s also an opportunity to reflect on those experiencing homelessness and the loss of connection with family and community. Here are six impactful ways to support individuals experiencing homelessness in Edmonton this Family Day.

1. Donate Family Essentials

Many individuals transitioning out of homelessness struggle to furnish their new homes due to high costs. Organizations like Find Edmonton provide home essentials to individuals transitioning out of homelessness for free. This Family Day, consider donating gently used furniture to help make someone’s house a home.

2. Work With us as a Landlord

Landlords play a vital role in Homeward Trust’s goal to end homelessness, as more than 80% of people in Housing Support programs live in market rental units. Partnering with us comes with many benefits. Landlords can rely on consistent and reliable rental payments, reducing the risk of late or insufficient funds. Tenants are required to have insurance, providing an added layer of security. There’s also the potential for long-term tenants, offering stability and continuity. We are committed to the success of both our clients and landlords, ensuring a partnership built on trust and mutual benefit. If you are a landlord and want to learn more on the benefits of joining the landlord relations program contact Landlords@homewardtrust.ca for more information.

3. Volunteer

Did you know you can volunteer as a family? Many shelters and organizations welcome family volunteers to support their daily operations and provide hands-on assistance to vulnerable Edmontonians. Consider volunteering at places like: Elizabeth Fry Society of Northern Alberta, YEG Food Bank, The Mustard Seed, Bissell Centre, e4c Alberta, Boyle Street Community Services,YESS Org, REACH Edmonton, Radius Health YEG.

4. Sponsor a Training

Organizations like the Bent Arrow Traditional Healing Society host craft events that connect individuals with their culture while empowering them. You can sponsor someone to attend these events. Similarly, the Elizabeth Fry Society of Northern Alberta hosts events and training sessions for vulnerable people. While most of the training is free, you can reach out to find ways to support these programs.

5. Deliver Care Packages to Local Shelters

Items like sanitary towels, tampons, menstrual cups, shower gel, lotion, and toothpaste can make a big difference. If you’re unsure where to start, this is a great option. Reach out to local domestic violence or emergency shelters to donate care packages.

6. Support Family-Friendly Policies

Use your voice to advocate for policies that protect vulnerable individuals in our community. Talk to your family and friends, use social media to raise awareness about homelessness, and encourage others to get involved in creating lasting solutions.

Happy Family Day!

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LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

We recognize we are gathered, in collaboration and with joint purpose, on Treaty 6 territory. This territory is the traditional home and gathering place for diverse Indigenous peoples. The nêhiyaw (Cree), Niitsitapi (Blackfoot), Dene, Haudenosaunee (Iroquois), Anishinaabe (Saulteaux/Ojibwe), Nakota Isga (Nakota Sioux), Inuit, and Métis, among many others cared for this land since time immemorial and continue to steward it today. As visitors in this territory, we honour the importance of the Treaty and our responsibility to these communities. Only in partnership can we create the changes necessary to end homelessness. It is vital we meaningfully engage and partner with Indigenous people and communities in this work while recognizing and addressing the conditions brought forth by colonialism. Displacement from traditional homelands, systemic racism, residential schools, the Sixties Scoop, and the ongoing overrepresentation of Indigenous people in child welfare, correctional systems, and homelessness are responsibilities we all share.