A temporary solution to assist the homeless and vulnerable individuals in Medicine Hat during the winter months is at risk of discontinuation due to a funding dispute. Last winter, the closure of a services hub operated by The Mustard Seed led to the absence of a dedicated daytime shelter in the southeastern Alberta city. Efforts to find a less controversial location for a new shelter are ongoing.
SafeLink Alberta, which has been expanding its services to support the homeless population, has been informed that access to federal funds earmarked for addressing drug addiction has been denied by the Alberta government. This denial could jeopardize the continuation of the additional homeless support services provided by SafeLink Alberta.
City councillor Bill Cocks expressed concern about the potential closure of the support service and urged the provincial government to reconsider its decision regarding the federal funds. SafeLink Alberta primarily focuses on harm reduction by offering free needles, peer support, and information on drug treatment options.
The Alberta government’s decision to deny the funding application was based on the lack of clarity on how the funds would be utilized and the absence of a clear connection to homeless services. The government emphasized the importance of aligning funding requests with provincial priorities, particularly in the areas of health and addiction treatment.
SafeLink officials are exploring alternative funding sources to sustain their operations. Without an additional $300,000 per year in sustainable funding, the group may have to close its drop-in hours for the homeless population. SafeLink’s executive director emphasized the importance of their drop-in center as the only low-barrier, daytime space in Medicine Hat accessible to all in need of support.
Efforts to establish a permanent shelter in Medicine Hat have faced challenges, with the closure of The Mustard Seed’s day shelter prompting calls for the city to expedite the search for a suitable location. The Ministry of Assisted Living and Social Services has committed $4 million this year to homeless supports in Medicine Hat as part of a larger provincial initiative.
The City of Medicine Hat is collaborating with The Mustard Seed to identify potential shelter locations. City officials are optimistic about presenting multiple options for council consideration in the coming months.