Edmonton, Alberta, November 3, 2023 — The work to end Indigenous homelessness in Edmonton will be bolstered by an investment of more than $6.9 million, as announced today by the Minister Randy Boissonnault and Joanne Pompana, Director of the Red Road Healing Society.

The Red Road Healing Society (RRHS) is the newest Indigenous Community Entity under Reaching Home: Canada’s Homelessness Strategy. Through their initiative, Restoring Home Fires, they are delivering programs and services to Indigenous children, youth, adults and families experiencing homelessness or are at imminent risk of homelessness.

Supporting the needs of the most vulnerable people in Canada is one of the Reaching Home Strategy’s goals. The funding announced today for RRHS’s Restoring Home Fires is being used to address Indigenous homelessness in Edmonton through safe, supportive, reliable, and stable housing in the city while also recognizing the need for emergency, supportive and transitional spaces.

The Red Road Healing Society is a not-for-profit resource centre that provides professional social, educational, legal, and health services in the West end region of Edmonton. Founded in 1997, the RRHS supports and creates change for children, youth, adults, and their families. The Government of Canada is committed to preventing and reducing homelessness across the country in urban, Indigenous, rural, and remote communities. This funding for this initiative comes from the Indigenous Homelessness stream of Reaching Home.

Everyone deserves a safe and stable place to call home, but far too many Canadians face the daily unacceptable reality of homelessness. The Government of Canada and its partners recognize the collective responsibility to develop and deliver community plans with clear outcomes that address local priorities designed to meet the needs of specific populations.