Shelter expansion project late but still on track

By Sam Leishman - Lethbridge Herald Local Journalism Initiative Reporter on March 4, 2025.

It will still be another few weeks until the expansion at the Lethbridge Shelter and Resource Centre is ready to welcome guests.
Kash Shade, the Blood Tribe Department of Health’s (BTDH) chief operating officer, says construction was supposed to be complete by the end of February, but that has now been delayed to at least mid-March. He says the project team is currently waiting on bathroom equipment and some other supplies that are arriving from the United States.
“Unfortunately, that’s I think the third pushback date we’ve heard from them,” Shade told the Herald. “The good thing is the shelter is still operational with our original capacity.”
The BTDH signed a memorandum of understanding with the province last year to continue operating the shelter after taking over from Alpha House in 2023. As part of the agreement, the province also supplied $4 million for the expansion project through the Lethbridge Housing Authority.
Construction began in late July to increase the shelter’s capacity from roughly 100 beds up to 200 beds.
Shade says staff were able to get creative this winter to accommodate up to 150 guests when the weather took a turn for the worst. However, he notes that it comes at the cost of intruding on other spaces that are needed for administration and programming.
“This expansion is definitely needed before next winter,” says Kash. “Some of the reports we’ve heard is that our homeless population has steadily increased over the years, so 200 [spaces] are probably going to be fully utilized next winter.”
Shade and staff at the shelter are looking forward not only to the expansion being completed, but several other big changes that will better support those experiencing homelessness and addiction in Lethbridge.
The Lethbridge Soup Kitchen, which is housed in the same building as the shelter, is planning to expand its dining area starting this spring.
Streets Alive also recently purchased the old El Dorado RV building next to the shelter. Renovation work is underway with the goal to move some of its operations there, including its Exodus Men’s Recovery Program, the Re-Purpose Donation Centre and the Restoration of Dignity programs.
“The more services and programs that service that population, it’s definitely a good thing,” says Shade. “We haven’t had too many direct partnerships with Streets Alive, but we are closely partnered with the Soup Kitchen and our stabilization unit within the shelter. If they’re expanding, that just gives us more optimism that our clients will be better served and there will be more access.”

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