The number of homeless individuals in Edmonton has surged by 47% this year, with 4,011 people reported living without stable housing in July, up from 2,728 in January. Homeward Trust CEO Susan McGee noted that this increase may partly stem from more people seeking services, particularly following the opening of a new provincial service navigation center, which has had about 3,500 visits since January. The By Name List, a collaboration of 65 social agencies, reported 2,259 people provisionally accommodated and 1,752 in shelters or living unsheltered, both figures showing over 500 more individuals than the previous year.
Concerns are rising about the impact of increased encampment evictions, with the city dismantling nearly 3,819 encampments this year, double last year’s total. Nadine Chalifoux from the Edmonton Coalition on Housing and Homelessness fears this creates a more vulnerable population, especially as winter approaches. Reports of frostbite-related amputations have also increased significantly, underscoring the dangers faced by the unhoused during cold months. The City plans to maintain its extreme weather response for winter but has not detailed any adjustments in light of rising amputation cases. Homeward Trust will conduct a comprehensive Point in Time Count in October for further insights.
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