New supportive living home breaks ground in The Quarters
The 97-unit replaces two older housing projects in the area and adds 26 units
A new 97-unit supportive living facility for individuals with chronic mental illness, brain injuries and mobility issues in Edmonton’s inner-city is “the solution, not the problem.”
Speaking at the groundbreaking for the new facility in The Quarters on Tuesday, Mayor Don Iveson asked area residents in attendance to help make the case for why the city needs more housing projects.
“We haven’t gotten to the finish line of our 10-year plan to end homelessness. We’ve still got about 1,100 people with serious needs who require housing like this,” Iveson said.
The new facility on 103A Avenue across from Boyle Street Plaza will provide permanent housing in private suites for individuals with varying needs. Run by the Edmonton People in Need Shelter Society, on-site staff will provide healthcare services, bathing and personal care, meals, and recreational and social programming for residents.
The facility will replace two of the society’s older housing projects in the area, one of which will be demolished and turned into a park as part of the neighbourhood’s
We haven’t gotten to the finish line of our 10-year plan to end homelessness.
redevelopment. In total, 26 units will be added to the society ’s housing stock.
“Three years ago, we realized the dynamic of the neighbourhood was changing,” said Pat Barnes, president of the society’s board. “This is a bold step for a not-forprofit society.”
A $14.2-million grant from the province covers half the cost of the facility. It is expected to open in fall 2018.
“This is not just about the people in need who are served by the shelter society,” Iveson said. “The outcome that benefits every single Edmontonian, every single Alberta taxpayer, is people who interact less with the health-care system, interact less with the justice system and lead healthier, more productive lives.”
Also at the ceremony was Edmonton-Centre NDP MLA David Shepherd. He said the NDP plans to launch the province’s first affordable housing strategy later this spring.