A prominent Edmonton-based homeless agency is losing funding for its housing program after the province claims it is not yielding the same results as similar programs.
In a statement to Postmedia, Boyle Street Community Services said it learned last week the Alberta government is ending the funding for its intensive case management team — which houses and supports those in need — as of April 1.
“We are currently focused on working with partner agencies to transition individuals on our caseload to other teams,” the statement said.
“Through this difficult transition for staff and community, Boyle Street Community Services remains committed to supporting Edmonton’s most vulnerable.”
The agency said it has no additional comments at this time and said additional questions should be directed to the provincial government.
Assisted Living and Social Services Minister Jason Nixon told reporters on Wednesday that there have not been cuts to the budget in that area. He said Boyle Street’s program has not been meeting the same level of results as others in the program when it comes to intensive housing management.
Nixon said the funding will be transferred to another program, but said the organizations receiving the funding have not been determined.
“Nobody will lose their funding that is associated with the program,” Nixon said.
“Individuals participating in the program will continue to be funded, but a different provider is going to be used in the future that the department feels we’re seeing better results with.”
When asked about the data to support claims that Boyle Street’s housing program was lagging behind, he deferred to his department.
As of Jan. 29, there are 3,965 homeless people in Edmonton, 2,545 are provisionally accommodated, 666 are sheltered, and 845 are unsheltered, according to Homeward Trust’s By Name List.
Alberta NDP housing critic Janis Irwin and MLA for Edmonton-Highlands-Norwood, where Boyle Street is located, said many of her constituents will be impacted by the cuts. She added just because a budget line item is the same as last year, with an increased population, it is still a cut.
“We have record numbers of deaths. We have the absolutely heartbreaking and unfathomable title of the frostbite amputation capital of the world,” Irwin said.
“This government should be investing in supporting folks who are experiencing homelessness and not making cuts.”
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