New outreach program hopes to help Lethbridge’s most vulnerable through winter

A new outreach program is coming to Lethbridge, providing support to the vulnerable after other groups have closed their doors for the day.

Kii Maa Pii Pii Tsin, or Kindness to Others, is a group dedicated to helping those suffering from addiction and homelessness.

The group has operated recovery camps in the past but will now take its support to the street.

“We have compassion. We accept people for who they are, despite the choices they’re going through. And with that kind of outreach service, everybody gets that dignity,” said Alvin Mills, Kii Maa Pii Pii Tsin founder.

Two teams of five will patrol the streets of Lethbridge between 11 p.m. and 7 a.m.

There are no other service providers available between those times.

The teams will provide much-needed support at a crucial time of day.

“We’re there to look out for the people. … We have our people trained up, and then we’ll get them to safety. That’s our primary focus,” said Mills.

Funding for the project comes from the Indigenous Reconciliation Fund.

$270,000 was approved for the outreach program during the winter and seven-day recovery camps during the summer.

“We have the opportunity to go out and meet people where they’re at, offer people some respite, some kindness, a place to be who you are,” said Kelsey Berg, a Kii Maa Pii Pii Tsin board member.

While other outreach programs do what they can for Lethbridge’s most vulnerable, more support is always welcome.

Especially for those caught outside on a cold winter night.

“As time goes on, I’m so glad that people just are here to help us. Because truth be told, we need all the help we can get out here. … It’s not easy, especially during these winter months,” said Barry Soosay, who is currently staying at the Lethbridge Shelter.

The outreach group plans to begin operations within the coming days.

The 2025 Point in Time Count found 504 people in Lethbridge were experiencing homelessness.