Homelessness and support for unsheltered populations is a complex issue and one that requires a collaborative effort from all community partners, including government, business, and community organizations. Most importantly, it requires compassion and patience from the community at large.

The City of Spruce Grove offers several programs to support those experiencing homelessness or at risk of becoming homeless.

• The Community Outreach Team provides in-person support to individuals who are unsheltered, at risk of being unsheltered, or experiencing multiple barriers to well-being. A team of trained, professional community outreach staff works directly with individuals who require assistance by focusing on locations that are frequented by vulnerable residents.
• The Community Homeless Winter Emergency Response is a joint effort between the City and several community partners to provide a place for unsheltered people to escape the cold winter weather.
• The Regional Housing Program, a partnership with the Town of Stony Plain, provides support to eligible residents to address housing instability and produces a Regional Housing Guide to provide residents with an overview of housing options and opportunities in the community and the region.
• Spruce Grove Community Social Development provides preventative social programs and initiatives to enhance the overall well-being of individuals, families, and the community.

Homelessness FAQs

What is the current state of homelessness in Spruce Grove?

As shared in the Social Sustainability Plan Refresh – 2023, “communities of all sizes across North America are seeing a significant increase in individuals living without shelter. Systemic factors, like a lack of affordable housing; lack of access to coordinated supports and services; and economic conditions (e.g., employment rates and cost of living), and individual factors like chronic illness; past trauma; and domestic abuse have complex and compounding effects that can contribute to being unsheltered.”  The Tri-Region Housing and Service Needs Estimates provides a formal overview of "snapshots" in time about the extent and nature of homelessness in our community, and has gathered data on the service needs of residents living within the Tri-Region. Since launching in August 2023, the Community Outreach team has supported 50+ unique individuals per month. Most individuals living without shelter in our community are Spruce Grove residents and many are actively engaged with supports to address their needs. Despite a continued number of residents being at risk for living without shelter, Spruce Grove has not experienced a significant increase in the total number of individuals living without shelter in the community due to the efforts of many community agencies and the City. 

What is the City doing to address homelessness?

In 2023, City Council approved a recommendation to implement a Community Outreach model of service to support unsheltered individuals and those at risk of homelessness. The Community Outreach Team helps connect residents with resources and supports including housing, mental health and addiction, and applications for government programs and long-term funding. The Community Outreach team works collaboratively with the broader Community Social Development department to address the needs of residents experiencing complex barriers to well-being. The City also supports several other programs to provide support for unsheltered populations including the Community Homeless Winter Emergency Response and Regional Housing Program.

Homeless people make me feel unsafe, what should I do?

Many people are uncomfortable with visible homelessness and hardship. This can lead to heightened perceptions of aggression, or complaints from individuals or businesses about the presence and conduct of people experiencing homelessness in their communities. The great majority of individuals living without shelter are not addicted to drugs or alcohol, are not involved in criminal activity, and are simply trying to get back on their feet. The Community Outreach team is available to provide training and support to residents and businesses that would like to expand their understanding and confidence in responding to situations involving vulnerable residents. Contact the Community Outreach team for details. 

What about the safety of our neighbourhoods and facilities?

The City has taken several steps to ensure our neighbourhoods and public places are accessible and safe for all residents. Residents who have concerns about community safety should contact Enforcement Services for a non-emergency incident or the Parkland RCMP as required.   

Can police arrest and charge those involved in criminal activity like drug use, theft, or vandalism?

If you see illegal activity happening, no matter who it is, report it to the RCMP. Even when an immediate response, or an arrest, by the RCMP is not possible, reporting instances of criminal activity allows the RCMP to identify trends, times, and locations that will help prioritize both reactive and proactive enforcement activities.

It is important to understand that being homeless, in and of itself, is not illegal. However, all of us, including those who are homeless, must follow laws for the public safety and welfare of the entire community. This includes laws related to illegal drug use, assault, and theft.

Legislative changes at the federal level have made it extremely challenging to charge and convict those experiencing homelessness when they are found to be active in criminal activity. It is extremely important, however, to continue to report any illegal activity to the RCMP. 

Why isn’t more being done by the City?

Housing (shelter/homelessness), mental health supports, and addictions supports are a provincial and/or federal government responsibility. When there is a lack of provincial/federal support in these areas, the impacts are felt most acutely at the municipal level, which is not equipped to address these complex social needs. Simply put, municipalities like the City of Spruce Grove don’t have the resources to deal with this on our own. But we do have an obligation to support a caring and safe community for all – this includes our residents who are housed and those who are unsheltered.

What can I do to help get more resources?

While we are trying to address the situation locally, we need to put more pressure on other levels of government to take action and provide necessary supports for all our residents. Lack of funding by the provincial government for affordable housing, mental health and addictions treatment at the local level places further strains on municipal responses to help those experiencing homelessness. Residents can also make their concerns known to their provincial and federal government representatives (MLA and MP) and advocate for more support in these areas.

Questions?

Please email us.