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Signage to mark the entrance to the shelter run by Alpha House in downtown Lethbridge, file photo. (Image: Lethbridge News Now)

Blood Tribe in talks to take over Alpha House shelter in Lethbridge

Oct 12, 2022 | 2:28 PM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – The homeless shelter in downtown Lethbridge could potentially be run by a local First Nation.

The Blood Tribe Department of Health (BTDH) has confirmed that it is in discussions with the Government of Alberta and the City of Lethbridge to take over shelter operations from Alpha House on 2A Avenue North. Homeless shelters fall under the jurisdiction of the provincial government.

According to the BTDH, the majority of clients at the shelter are Indigenous.

BTDH Board Members Charles Weaselhead says this is part of the efforts by the Blood Tribe and the municipal and provincial governments to create short and long-term solutions to address homelessness and health and safety risks to vulnerable populations.

“We are committed to ensuring due diligence on the take over and continue to work closely with the Health Table and all of our partners to find long-term solutions to the issues facing vulnerable members of our community,” says Weaselhead. “We want to thank Alpha House for all their work and will explore opportunities while continuing to provide culturally appropriate supports to Indigenous people in Lethbridge who are experiencing homelessness and addictions.”

Weaselhead continues to say that the BDTH would support the homeless population through compassion, caring, and kindness.

“Our position is that we will step up in any way possible. If we aspire to make changes to end the cycle of poverty and homelessness then we have to act accordingly and continue advocating and exploring this call to action for our most vulnerable,” says Weaselhead.

Alberta Ministry of Community and Social Services Spokesperson Justin Marshall says the government recognizes that homelessness in Lethbridge is a complex issue and that they will support those who are impacted.

“We are committed to working closely with the City of Lethbridge and all of our partners to find long-term solutions to the issues facing the community. We would like to thank Alpha House for their work,” reads a statement from Marshall.

The governing bodies say they are also working on collaborative solutions to issues including transitional housing, shelter space, and permanent housing.

Timelines have yet to be established for when the BTDH might take over the shelter operations. Marshall says the province is “working around the clock on this file.”

The City of Lethbridge is also exploring the possibility of creating a new sober shelter where people living in encampments could move into a safe environment and receive assistance.

READ MORE: City of Lethbridge to explore creating sober shelter at Civic Centre