Sarah Komadina

Jan 11, 2024 | globalnews.ca | Sarah Komadina

Greg Gladue was homeless for more than 15 years. He would sometimes have enough money to stay at a cheap motel, but would more often than not spent his nights in a sleeping bag somewhere in Edmonton’s river valley. “I am getting old… The older you get the harder it is to live on the streets, because it takes a lot of energy out of you. You’re always on your feet — hungry and cold,” Gladue said.

Jan 8, 2024 | globalnews.ca | Sarah Komadina

At the encampment on 95 Street and Rowland Road in Edmonton, Roy Cardinal is known as the caretaker. He has made his tent into a small teepee. Inside, he has small propane fireplace, beds and blankets. He has made it as comfortable as possible. “It’s a tight squeeze, but it’s the warmest place in the house,” Cardinal said. “I sit here, and I give them coffee, all the donations and everything we get, I always keep it in here.”Cardinal puts his focus on helping people recover from addictions.

Dec 23, 2023 | globalnews.ca | Sarah Komadina

EDITOR’S NOTE: Global News has agreed to replace the names of some people interviewed for this article to protect their identity in accordance with the treatment centre’s policies. The Poundmaker’s Lodge Treatment Centres have been helping people recover from addictions for 50 years. The treatment facility focuses on using Indigenous culture to help people heal. There are several programs people who are struggling can take, including services specifically for women and for youth.

Dec 18, 2023 | globalnews.ca | Sarah Komadina

The Beverly Motel, on 118th Avenue in Edmonton, has been there for decades — and her age is showing. Guests will come stay for a night, but many guests will stay for many nights, or months. The motel is home to Sheri Duncan and her three kids, but soon they will have to move out. Around the end of November, a notice was issued to guests that the motel has new owners and renovations are needed to make the structure a safe and liveable space. All occupants need to leave by Dec. 20.

Dec 13, 2023 | globalnews.ca | Sarah Komadina

In 2022,  thousands of calls for help were made, and nearly 1,600 women and children stayed at a women’s shelter in the Edmonton area. Many others had to be turned away. That is why donation drives like Global Edmonton’s Give Me Shelter campaign are important. Cash and gift cards go towards supporting women and children in an extremely difficult time in their lives. On Wednesday, a steady stream of vehicles stopped the Global Edmonton station to help.