Edmonton Faith Communities Talk Housing

Members of Edmonton’s faith community joined representatives of local social agencies and people who have experienced homelessness to voice their concerns about the need for affordable, supportive housing to members of municipal, provincial and federal government on September 6. Organized by the Capital Region Interfaith Housing Initiative (CRIHI), the rally was held at Evangel Pentecostal Assembly.

The gathering discussed the need for meaningful housing solutions, including the need for Permanent Supportive housing to help those with multiple complex needs, mobile support workers and a portable housing benefit. To give weight and urgency to this message, 12 people with lived experience shared their stories in smaller table conversations.

The group heard responses from five official representatives: Randy Boissonnault (MP for Edmonton Centre), Garnett Genuis (MP for Sherwood Park-Fort Saskatchewan), Lori Sigurdson (Minister of Seniors and Housing and MLA for Edmonton-Riverview), Laila Goodridge (MLA for Fort McMurray-Conklin), and Michael Walters (Edmonton City Council, Ward 10). 

Watch the October issue of The Messenger for full story.

Videos of the main presentations and official responses will soon be posted on the Interfaith website.