The city of St. Albert has taken the first steps to develop a system to help end youth homelessness.
The city council heard an update regarding a feasibility study by social housing coordinator Vlad Ruben and the Family and Community Support Services senior manager Connie Smigelski. The preferred site which sits on Winston Churchill Avenue was chosen due to its location near the city’s downtown, as well as transit and support services. The plot previously held Fire Hall No. 1, and the city was looking to dispose of or repurpose the site.
The feasibility study focused on housing for youth and young adults aged 14 to 24, the norm for housing like this across Alberta and Canada.
Of the hundreds of youths surveyed, over 300 respondents listed housing as one of the top five issues they’re currently facing.
“We’ve identified this is a significant need in our community,” said Coun. Ken MacKay. “This is going to meet a need if this actually does come to fruition and I’m actually quite excited about it.”
