Mr. Speaker, Boyle Street, Bessell Centre, Tawaw Outreach Collective, 4B Harm Reduction, Water Warriors, Smile YEG, Bear Claw Beaver Hills House, Hope Mission and REACH Edmonton, these are the names of the frontline organizations in Edmonton helping our neighbours survive.
Houselessness is a crisis in Edmonton. Over the past few weeks, four people have already frozen to death. Things are so bad that last winter, over 100 people living on the streets lost a limb from frostbite. The majority of these people are indigenous.
These harrowing statistics put the work of Edmonton's local organizations into focus: compassionate and understanding care, supportive housing for those who need it most and wraparound services that go far beyond just putting a roof over people's heads. However, these organizations need help.
I urge the government to work with provincial and municipal partners to ensure that the people who support Edmonton's most vulnerable have the resources they need. Together, we can end poverty and houselessness.