Shelter Programs
Housing is more than four walls and a roof—it is stability, dignity, and the foundation from which healing becomes possible. Our shelter initiatives are designed for people facing crisis, offering both immediate referrals and visionary long-term solutions that prioritize safety, sobriety, and the chance to rebuild a life with hope.
Current Program
1. Landlord & Agency Network Program
Finding safe, stable housing during a personal crisis can feel like navigating a maze with no exits. To bridge that gap, we’ve built close relationships with a trusted local organization that operates close to 20 sober living homes. through this we offer referrals. On top of this we have also built out a network of landlords throughout Alberta who understand the realities of hardship and are willing to work compassionately with individuals in vulnerable situations.
Our volunteers carry updated lists of housing contacts and have been trained to guide clients toward agencies, landlords, and sober-living environments that best match their needs. It’s an immediate, human-centered approach—one conversation, one referral, one safe place to sleep at a time.
Future Projects
1. Long-Term Rural Healing Housing Program
Healing rarely flourishes in the same environment that caused the wounds. It’s difficult—near impossible—to rebuild when every corner holds a liquor store, a drug dealer, or the pull of old patterns. That’s why we’re developing a long-term rural healing housing initiative: safe, quiet homes in the countryside where people can disconnect from the chaos of the city and reconnect with themselves.
Compassion Culture intends to create a dedicated fund to purchase properties in rural communities, each designed to offer long-term, stable, sober living for individuals transitioning out of rehabilitation. The numbers don’t lie, sober living is one of the most underserved demographics. Rehab is one thing, long term living is a whole other ball of wax. These homes will be overseen by trained, qualified house managers—several of whom are already ready to serve. Our network is big but our bank account is small. One step at a time we will make this possible.
Our roadmap includes:
Completing a comprehensive budget with our consultant and accountant.
Securing grants and conducting targeted fundraising.
Hiring a management team to oversee housing operations and ensure accountability.
Customizing each home to meet the therapeutic needs of residents.
Securing all required licensing and permits.
We aim to acquire our first property within 2–3 years, and we firmly believe this initiative holds the greatest long-term impact potential of any project we are developing. It offers not just housing, but the possibility of an entirely new life—something few organizations in Canada attempt at this scale or level of intentionality.
2. Short-Term Urban Shelter Initiative
Let’s be frank: Edmonton’s shelter capacity is overwhelmingly insufficient. This isn’t our opinion, the numbers tell the story. Beds run out, temperatures drop, and far too many people are left with nowhere safe to rest.
While we don’t intend to dive in too deep too quickly (we’ve seen how that story ends), we are laying the groundwork for a future short-term urban shelter capable of housing 50–100 individuals each night. We are currently studying the data to determine which demographic of unhoused individuals is the most underserved before building out the program. We are dedicated to helping whoever needs it most.
Our volunteers are eager to help staff the program. Everyday we are actively building partnerships to make it possible sooner. Realistically, at this point this project is at least 3 years away from operating—but every meaningful movement begins with a vision, and ours is already greatly taking shape.
Your Contribution Makes Shelter Possible
Donate
Your support helps us expand our referral network, purchase rural recovery homes, and take steps toward launching a much-needed urban shelter. Every contribution builds stability for someone who desperately needs it. If your interested please contact us below.
Volunteer
Whether you’re a logistics guru, a natural caretaker, a future house manager, or simply someone with a heart for people, your time can transform lives. Volunteers are the backbone of this work—and we’d love to have you on our team.
Together, we can create pathways from crisis to stability, and from survival to genuine healing.
Let’s build homes—not just shelters.
Contact us below.