The "Alberta Advantage"

The so called "Alberta Advantage" has not been an advantage to everyone. The booming economy in Alberta has caused housing costs to sky rocket. Many people have come to Alberta to seek their fortunes and have found that without the skills and education required to obtain the high paying jobs, they are in just as bad, if not worse economic shape than they were before they left their homes.

These are just a few examples of housing options that some people have resorted to in Edmonton. With the temperatures plummeting to -18 Celsius
(-28 with the wind chill) in the last few days and with snow on the ground, many who are sleeping outdoors are facing the very really danger of frostbite and hypothermia.

Emergency shelters are quickly filling to capacity and although new spaces have been opened up this winter, there is still not nearly enough room to accommodate the cities estimated 2800 homeless. Not all of the homeless are employable, with ages ranging from the low teens to some who are over the age of 65. Many suffer from substance abuse problems, mental illness, physical disabilities and/or lack of formal

education and social/life skills.

While affordable housing is a necessity, that alone will not solve the homeless crisis. Strong support networks and agencies dedicated to "retraining" and instilling a sense of worth in these individuals are just as vital to achieving a long term solution.