News Releases

Budget 2009
[April 09, 2009]

The Budget presented by Iris Evans, Minister of Finance and Enterprise, on April 7th will meet most the housing and support requirements as laid out in the Province's Plan to End Homelessness over the next couple of years and will support the rolling out of the Housing First model.

$178 million in capital grants to support construction of affordable housing units. A total of $468 million will be provided over three years as the province works towards its commitment to build 11,000 new affordable housing units.
$100 million in capital grants to support implementation of the 10-year plan to end homelessness in Alberta. With total capital grants of $400 million over three years, 2,700 housing units specifically for the homeless will be provided.
$106.5 million in operating funding for homeless programs, including $40.5 million for emergency/transitional shelters and $32 million for outreach support services.
$56 million for the rent supplement program.

"This is a real opportunity to make a significant difference to homeless Edmontonians; to help them off the streets and into homes, with appropriate wrap around supports to help them build a better life," says Susan McGee, Executive Director, Homeward Trust. "The initial commitment of $400m over 3 years to capital and $32m per year in operating is a really good start," McGee added.

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