The City of Edmonton is set to unveil their new strategy aimed at combating the homelessness crisis in the capital.
However, the news is ill timed as the city receives some alarming new data pertaining to the number of deaths related to the situation.
A report received on Tuesday, May 21st outlined the number of deaths of people with no fixed address in the city.
In 2017, the number of deaths of Edmontonians experiencing homelessness was 30, and that number has seen an alarming increase to 302 people who died while being homeless in 2023.
Although the data isn’t comparable because of data collection methods, councilors still show worry when it comes to the topic.
Ward Nakota Isga Councillor, Andrew Knack explained to the committee, “If there were 300 to 400 people dying in traffic accidents, there would be uproar in our city. If there were 300 to 400 murders on our streets, people would be at our doors at city hall until something changed,” , pointing out that instead, the chamber was empty during the meeting.
A ten year plan was initiated back in 2006 by the city aimed at reducing homelessness which cut the number in half during that timeline.
Fast forward to the pandemic and that progress appeared to be in vain as the numbers doubled again.
There are approximately 3200 Edmontonians experiencing homelessness in the city according to Homeward Trust.
The agency is now working with the city to draw up a new, much needed plan to tackle the issue.
1,700 new supportive housing units, 250 transitional units and 600 caseload spaces are required across the next five years according to the agency.
Currently, $183 million has been allotted during the present four-year budget towards housing units.
Council’s full homelessness plan is scheduled for release next month.
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