Lethbridge emergency shelter changes owners and expands capacity through $4M grant

The Lethbridge Shelter and Resource Centre is changing ownership and expanding from a 120-space facility to 200 spaces, plus an additional 30 stabilization beds, through a $4-million capital grant from the provincial government.

The facility had been owned by the City of Lethbridge, but through an in-kind donation worth $1.4 million, the city handed over ownership to the Lethbridge Housing Authority.

At the same time as announcing the capital grant, Minister of Seniors, Community and Social Services Minister Jason Nixon signed a memorandum of understanding with the Blood Tribe, which has been operating the facility for more than a year.

Nixon said the MOU is to confirm their partnership moving forward.

He said there's a "real need to be connected with the Blackfoot community and with the Blood Tribe" with much of the local homeless population having connections to those communities.

A spokesperson for the Blood Tribe said they believe they are best suited to provide for those in their community who are struggling with homelessness and other issues.

"The Blood Tribe Department of Health has agreed to continue with a multi-year agreement to manage the shelter," said Martin Heavy Head, councillor and board chair.

"We hope that solutions will be found for homelessness and drug dependency and to discontinue this service." 

The province says the facility has not yet reached capacity this year, at times hovering around 90 per cent, so the expansion is expected to add even more buffer space as the population grows.

"With this fund, we're able to expand and enhance shelter facilities, ensuring every guest who walks through the door is met with dignity, respect and the tools they need to rebuild their lives," said Robin James with Lethbridge Housing Authority.

The Lethbridge shelter receives more than $3.5 million annually from the province.

A timeline for construction has not been provided yet.