A project aimed at providing permanent infrastructure so that the homeless and vulnerable in Red Deer have a safe place to stay was one step closer to becoming a reality on Monday.
The city of Red Deer issued a press release saying the council has directed city managers to work with the provincial government on a plan to outline what a future permanent emergency housing project will look like.
In 2019, the province announced $ 7 million in funding for a permanent shelter in central Alberta. This month, a year ago, the city and the province signed a memorandum of understanding. The city said it “describes mutual intentions for a quality, purpose-built shelter.”
READ MORE: Federal Government Announces $ 14.9 Million to Build Affordable Housing Units in Edmonton
“We have turned over the baton to the administration so that it can take the next steps to make this a reality,” said Mayor Ken Johnston. “Our number one priority as a council is to get a permanent emergency housing site built and operational so that our vulnerable population has a safe and constant place to go, day and night.
“This project is absolutely critical to our community.”
READ MORE: Red Deer Homeless Shelter on the Verge of Closing
According to the city, the location of the shelter has yet to be decided.
Johnston said the city is advocating for an operating model that will offer “comprehensive services” as well as a shelter that “also gives them the support they need to one day have a permanent place to call home.”
READ MORE: ‘Step Up Or Shut Up’ – Wetaskiwin Mayor Frustrated At Lack Of Help With Homeless People
The city said the council also tasked administrators with working with the province on “neighborhood integration strategies that will support the surrounding area” once the housing project is up and running.
“The administration will work with the province to lay the foundation for a successful results-based operating model at the site, as well as to seamlessly integrate it into our community,” said Johnston. “The work that is done before construction will help to achieve this.
“All people are affected by homelessness in one way or another. Supporting those who are struggling to recover is imperative to the overall success of our community, not just those who will access services. “
READ MORE: Group Says Medicine Hat has ended chronic homelessness as cities look at the same across the country
The city said the province will be responsible for finding a service provider to operate the shelter once construction is complete.
Watch below: Some Global News videos on homelessness in Alberta.
© 2021 Global News, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.
Reference-globalnews.ca