Post-Secondary Student Homelessness

If you are a student experiencing housing insecurity, support is available. The Office of the Dean of Students is proud to be a national partner in the Post Secondary Student Homelessness (PSSH) in Canada project. This pan-Canadian research is contributing to solutions for students experiencing housing issues or insecurity across Canada.

Post-secondary student homelessness is a serious threat to the health and academic achievement of young Canadians. Research has shown that 85,000 students experience homelessness every day. Unfortunately, this problem remains largely hidden due to stigma and under-reporting.

Homelessness includes:

• Having no shelter/sleeping outside
• Staying at an emergency shelter
• Couch surfing or staying with friends
• Being in unsafe relationships to keep housing
• Living in substandard spaces

Programs and services

The U of A provides a number of specialized support services to help students in unforeseen circumstances.

On campus resources

• Safe House Program: Offers temporary emergency accommodation for current students and their children.
• Social Worker Support: A team of Registered Social Workers providing supportive case management services to students on a one-to-one basis.
• Campus Food Bank: Offers bi-weekly food hampers to supplement groceries.
• Peer Support Centre: A Students' Union service that offers a free, confidential, and non-judgmental place to talk to someone for support.
• The Landing: A support service that offers support for 2SLGBTQ+ students.
• The Office of Safe Disclosure and Human Rights : A safe, neutral and confidential space for all members of the university community to disclose concerns and respond to those disclosures with appropriate advice, information and referrals.
• First Peoples' House: Providing a supportive environment for First Nations, Métis, and Inuit students.
• Student Financial Support: Supplemental bursaries that do not need to be repaid.
• Money Talks: Financial Literacy Support: Workshops that help students navigate and build skills related to finances.
• International Student Services: Support and services for students new to Canada.

Student groups

• Helping Hands for Homeless Youth
• Students for Habitat 

Off-campus resources

• 211: For information on support in Edmonton.
• Edmonton Community Legal Centre: The Edmonton Community Legal Centre provides free legal information and advice to low to moderate-income people in the Edmonton area. 
• Homeward Trust: Edmonton supports for people currently experiencing homelessness and would like further information on housing programs in the city.
• Landlord-Tenant Advisory Board: Provides advice and information to residential tenants and landlords to address tenancy issues and ensure both tenants and landlords are aware of their rights and obligations.
• Youth Emergency Shelter: Based in Edmonton, YESS provides immediate and low-barrier shelter, temporary housing, and individualized wraparound support for youth ages 15-24.