Updated Plan Released

After engaging thousands of Edmontonians, people with lived experience, and key stakeholders, Homeward Trust and the City of Edmonton have released A Place to Call Home – Edmonton’s Updated Plan to Prevent and End Homelessness.

The updated plan sets priorities to 2026. It is founded on three key goals: eliminating chronic and episodic homelessness by 2022; preventing future homelessness; and developing an integrated systems response to homelessness. Each key goal has its own associated targets and strategies.

Highlights include:

• The target of PSH units is supported with additional nuance as to program models and levels of support to align with need, and the related costs;
• The commitment to ending chronic homelessness is steadfast, with specific targets through to 2020;
• The reallocation of resources from limited term homeless intervention programs to permanent housing in both scattered and purpose built solutions is forecasted;
• The importance of system planning and performance measurement, and access to data to support it, is clearly articulated;
• Accountability to Plan outcomes, and as importantly the strategies outside of the Plan’s scope, such as ending poverty and developing affordable housing, are conditions for success.

The updated Plan recognizes and responds to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action through an explicit acknowledgement that Indigenous homelessness is a colonial legacy.

This update stands on the shoulders of the great work that has transpired since the initial plan was launched in 2009. The commitment to end homelessness in Edmonton that was made at the time was ambitious and game changing, and also thoughtful and achievable. It was one of the first plans to end homelessness in Canada, and established Edmonton as a leader in what has become a movement that has taken hold across the county.

Since the Plan’s inception in 2009, our community has made strong progress. More than 6,000 people have been housed and supported under the Plan and partners have gained a better understanding about the scope of homelessness in our city and what is required to end it.
Download the Updated Plan here