Article content A grassroots group formed this spring is working to address gaps in support for unhoused residents in Strathcona County after community members discovered that emergency services were far more limited than they expected. The Strathcona County Housing Rights Action Group began taking shape after volunteers with the County Clothesline thrift store found a young woman sheltering behind the business during extreme cold. When staff tried to find help, they learned that once Family and Community Services offices closed for the day, there were no local emergency supports available beyond the RCMP.
Recommended Videos “That was a wake‐up call,” said Annie McKitrick, one of the group’s founding members. “People assumed there were resources to call on, but after hours, there was nowhere to turn.” McKitrick, who previously worked with unhoused populations in British Columbia, was approached by residents concerned about the lack of options. Another founding member, Maria, often encountered people sleeping rough or living in vehicles through her volunteer work with Citizens on Patrol.
Both were already involved with the Strathcona County Diversity Committee, where early discussions about homelessness in the county began. From there, the group reached out to people with experience in Edmonton’s homelessness sector and met with RCMP leadership and county staff. Members also conducted a detailed review of available services and found significant gaps, including the absence of emergency shelter beds, limited outreach outside office hours and no 24‐hour warming or cooling spaces during extreme weather.
County Clothesline provided a small start‐up grant, and the group formally became the Strathcona County Housing Rights Action Group. While members are focused on immediate responses, McKitrick said the group views the shortage of truly affordable housing as the underlying problem. Earlier this spring, members appeared before county council to speak in support of a small pilot project aimed at assisting unhoused residents.
The proposal was initially voted down, but council later reversed its decision following public feedback on social media and further discussion. The group is now focused on practical, short‐term steps. Members are building a website and an updated brochure listing accurate information about existing services and hours of operation.
They are also advocating for food pantries in community centres, supporting the creation of seasonal warming spaces and raising funds for small gift cards that allow people to take shelter in local businesses. Sherwood Park United Church has contributed to the gift card initiative, which has also helped library staff supporting unhoused individuals who use public facilities. Local hospital staff are responding as well, developing protocols aimed at providing meals, clean clothing and taxi vouchers for patients discharged without housing, particularly those looking to return to Edmonton.
The group plans to host a community consultation later this spring to help residents better understand the issue and identify ways to respond compassionately and effectively. “We’re seeing this more often in our community,” McKitrick said. “The first step is making sure people’s basic needs are met, while we keep pushing for long‐term solutions.” twilkie@postmedia.com
