A memorial service was held on Thursday, June 4, 2026, at the Homeless Memorial Plaza in Edmonton to honor 349 individuals who died while experiencing homelessness in 2025. The event, organized by the Edmonton Coalition on Housing and Homelessness, drew mourners who laid roses in remembrance of family members, friends, and neighbors lost to the streets.
A Growing Crisis Since the Pandemic
Since 2006, a total of 2,566 Edmontonians have died while homeless, with the majority—1,665—perishing in the last five years alone. Quinn Strikwerda, co-chair of the coalition, noted that the economic collapse triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic pushed many into homelessness. "There are more people who have slipped into homelessness since that time," he said. "The deaths are affected by the drug supply, but it is also the lack of day-use shelter space and a lack of safe, affordable social housing."
Personal Stories of Survival
Nadine Chalifoux shared her own journey from homelessness to stability. After being discharged from the hospital 14 years ago, she struggled to find affordable housing on $700 monthly income support. "There was barely anything for affordable housing," she recalled. "For two years I hopped couches, tried to pay rent at places, and then I ended up on the street." She credited the kindness of others in the homeless community for teaching her how to survive. "A lot of caring people showed me where to sleep, how to keep warm in winter, places to find food—if it weren't for them I wouldn't have survived." Today, Chalifoux is among the fortunate few who found a home and rebuilt their lives.
Calls for Action
Alberta Health Services reported that 692 unhoused Albertans were treated for frostbite this past winter. Strikwerda emphasized the need for more culturally appropriate shelter spaces and urged the province to keep safe injection sites open. "To have a place where drugs can be tested for toxicity and where people can be monitored, that is going to save lives," he said. He also called on Edmonton police to adopt a softer approach to homeless encampments, noting that many avoid shelters due to feeling unsafe or disrespected. "Even the little bit of stuff they have gathered is thrown in the garbage. It is counterproductive."
Political Response
No representatives from the governing United Conservative Party attended the memorial. However, Alberta New Democrat housing critic Janis Irwin reiterated the need for increased funding for affordable housing. "Every year we have this conversation," she said. "We know the solutions, we know what works. It is about listening and offering supports. I am grateful to the organizations on the front lines filling the gaps where government has not stepped up enough."
The memorial, now in its 21st year, serves as a somber reminder of the ongoing homelessness crisis. As of May 10, Homeward Trust Edmonton identified 3,795 people living without permanent housing in the city.
