Calgary's Homeless Crisis: Overcrowded Shelters, Rising Needs

0:00It's April 10th. This is Calgary News Today, powered by AI. Calgary shelters are bursting at the seams with more folks facing homelessness than ever. The Salvation Army's main spot holds 335 men, but stays over capacity. The drop-in center, built for 1,000 daily, topped 900 this winter for the first time. And the mustard seeds industrial-part shelter exceeds 370 guests every single night. Blame it on a mix of factors hitting hard. New immigrants and asylum seekers are pouring in after federal border changes, ramping of demand. Add a Calgary's population boom, skyrocketing rents, and the affordability crunch. Every 1% rent hike doubles shelter admissions in the west. Leaders on the ground see deeper struggles now. Addiction and mental health issues make housing tougher, with indigenous people, 5% of Canada, feeling 30% of beds. These hit-food banks are agonizing over rents or meals, as one program jumped from 500 to

1:01nearly 3,000 clients monthly. These spots house house hundreds last year, but inflows keep climbing. Officials push for more affordable units, recovery pass for addictions, and rap supports for complex needs. Alberta is starting to build those addiction pathways, which could help turn the tide. While shelters strain, empathy changes everything. Treat neighbors with respect, not judgment. Check the Calgary Homeless Foundation for resources if you're on the edge.