The Hope Mission is looking to build a 120-bed shelter in a southeast industrial zone after seeing success at its CarePoint Wellness Centre in Edmonton’s west end. Tim Pasma, the senior director of the Hope Mission, said they first experimented with shelter spaces away from the city’s centre two years ago when the shelter off of 149 Street and Yellowhead Trail opened. “We found it to be quite successful with supporting more people, people that otherwise weren’t coming into the downtown core,” explained Pasma, adding that it also helped decentralize services. “We know Chinatown in particular has a lot of those services right now, and that community does struggle because there’s such a high concentration.” The southeast expansion would be located at a building the Hope Mission already owns and uses as an office space and storage facility just off of Girard Road. City councillors heard Monday concerns from business owners and residents in the area. “From a land use perspective, we need to think about – does this particular use have associated impacts within the community, the area,” said Ward Métis Coun. Ashley Salvador. “There has been a move to decentralize to make sure those supports and services are offered everywhere, because there has been a need citywide.” The Hope Mission is hoping to open the shelter in the southeast before winter since it saw a 23-per cent increase in people seeking shelter services. With files from CTV News Edmonton’s Noah Rishaug
