Background

The Edmonton Committee to End Homelessness, established in January 2008 by Mayor Stephen Mandel, is a community-based approach that aims to end homelessness in Edmonton in 10 years. The committee is made up of leading citizens who represent government, business, labour, healthcare and social services - critical areas that can come together and find solutions to end homelessness. See message from Mayor Mandel.
From the Chief of Police to the Catholic Archbishop to hundreds of front-line service providers, more than 800 Edmontonians are helping the committee to shape the city’s first 10-year blueprint to end homelessness.
During summer 2008, hundreds of Edmontonians spanning 75 different companies and organizations participated in small-group discussions about homelessness.
Another 100 people are contributing their time and expertise on subcommittees and working groups around the three key areas critical to ending homelessness: prevention, housing, and services.
A common view shared by all is that it is unacceptable in our city and our province to not immediately begin fixing the situation that sees more than 2,500 people sleeping on the streets of Edmonton, often in sub-zero conditions.
Everyone agrees that more sleeping bags and mats on the floor is not the solution. Ending homelessness requires multiple strategies involving the entire community.