EDMONTON — The former Sands Hotel on Fort Road has been transformed into a new supportive housing centre, now serving as a beacon of hope for individuals experiencing homelessness. This Indigenous-led initiative, which emphasizes sustainable practices, have 115 supportive housing units.
The centre includes 54 permanent housing units for individuals transitioning from street life and 55 emergency shelter spaces for immediate needs. It also features a dedicated ceremony space to honor Indigenous traditions and community.
The project was funded through a $12 million investment from non-profits, the provincial government, and the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC).
The opening of this facility comes in response to Edmonton City Council’s January declaration of a housing and homelessness state of emergency. Current estimates indicate over 3,000 people are experiencing homelessness in the city, with approximately 3,000 deaths attributed to being unhoused in the past year.
The new centre represents a significant step toward addressing the urgent housing crisis and providing much-needed support to Edmonton’s most vulnerable residents.
Photo from Sands Hotel Edmonton X page
