Tipinawâw, meaning sheltered from the outside elements in Cree and pronounced “Tee-pin-a-waw”, is a temporary accommodation space for people experiencing homelessness. Located in the Edmonton Convention Centre, Tipinawâw provides up to 300 community members a day with a safe, warm place to sleep, and three meals a day. People who stay at Tipinawâw are fully supported on their path toward stable housing and have access to Indigenous cultural, mental health and wellness support, including harm reduction services.
Boyle Street Community Services, The Mustard Seed, Bissell Centre, Homeward Trust and Bent Arrow Traditional Healing Society are working collaboratively to operate Tipinawâw with support from the City of Edmonton. The temporary accommodation opened its doors on October 30, 2020 and will remain open until April 30, 2021.
Tipinawâw is part of the work by homeless-serving sector agencies and the City of Edmonton to address the crisis of homelessness in Edmonton and to provide housing options for all residents this winter. We recognize that temporary housing is not the solution to homelessness. The solution is housing and support services. This response is a stepping stone on the path to ending homelessness.
Anyone experiencing homelessness can use services at Tipinawâw. April
Unique individuals have accessed the facility
Meals have been served since we’ve opened our doors
Individuals have worked one-on-one with staff to initiate housing connections this month
Mental health support interactions have been facilitated
The Problem
There are approximately 2,000 people experiencing homelessness in Edmonton, with 600 sleeping outside or unsheltered on any given night.
- It’s estimated that almost 200 people are becoming homeless each month.
- Because of physical distancing requirements, there are fewer overnight emergency shelter spaces and day services for people experiencing homelessness.
- The pandemic has also dramatically increased the number and visibility of vulnerable people in our city.
Our Solution
Tipinawâw increases the number of emergency accommodations and provides significantly expanded access to daytime support services in Edmonton. Totalling 85,000 square feet, Halls A, B, and C on the Assemble Level of the Edmonton Convention Centre is being used for the primary temporary accommodation space. Additional space for community members needing to isolate is also available in the building.
Our Supports
Housing Supports
Indigenous Cultural Supports
Overdose Prevention
7am – 10pm, seven days a week
Mon – Fri: 9am – 9pm, Sat – Sun: 9am – 5pm Cultural Activities, Elder support, Smudge & support
24/7
Youth Services
Beds
3 Meals Daily
Overnight sleeping areas for couples, women, men and people with limited mobility, Day sleeping also available
Breakfast – 7am, Lunch 12pm, Dinner – 6pm, Coffee service available between 7am – 9pm
Mental Health
Substance Use Disorder
Showers & Laundry
9am – 4pm, Monday to Friday, Referrals to services, case coordination, emergency counselling, suicide intervention
9am – 4pm, Monday to Friday, Rehabilitation Referrals
8:30am – 7pm, Last laundry service is at 5:30pm, Last shower service is at 6pm, Laundry soap provided
Financial Services
Medical
Bissell’s Community Closet
8am – 4pm, Monday to Thursday, Support to set up banking and securing ID, Assistance with tax filing and accessing government benefits, Financial Literacy Education, One-on-one financial coaching
8:30am – 4:30pm, seven days a week, Wound care, foot care, case management, referral, help accessing prescription, STI testing
9am – 2pm, seven days a week
Pets
For more information on other resources in Edmonton, visit the Sector Emergency Response Page. Edmonton’s Sector Emergency Response is a partnership between more than 25 system and partner agencies working together to keep our vulnerable citizens safe and warm every night. The page provides timely shelter and resource information from shelter providers, emergency services, transportation services and other services providers across the city. Click the link above to learn more.
