vilevi / Depositphotos.com
FORT McMURRAY — More than $3.1 million in federal and municipal funding has been allocated to local non-profit organizations in the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo to support housing and outreach programs aimed at reducing homelessness.
The funding, approved March 18 by the Homelessness Initiatives Strategic Committee, will be distributed for the 2026-27 program year through the federal Reaching Home: Canada’s Homelessness Strategy and the municipality.
Officials say the funding will support a range of services, including housing with supports, street outreach and drop-in programs, as well as permanent supportive housing and centralized intake services.
The largest allocation, about $1.58 million, will go to the Wood Buffalo Wellness Society for its Tawâw Permanent Supportive Housing program. Additional funding will support housing programs and intake services delivered by the same organization.
The Centre of Hope Non-Profit Society of Fort McMurray will receive more than $1.1 million combined for housing with supports, street outreach and drop-in services, while the Salvation Army in Canada will receive about $184,000 for housing supports.
The municipality says the funding is intended to assist individuals at risk of homelessness and improve access to stable housing and essential services.
The Homelessness Initiatives Strategic Committee, a council-appointed body, reviews applications and allocates funding based on program priorities and federal criteria, while also guiding local strategy and advocating for additional resources.
Municipal officials say the initiative is part of a broader effort involving provincial, federal and community partners to address homelessness in the region.
Comments