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ABOUT US

The Edmonton Coalition on Housing and Homelessness (ECOHH) was created in 1986. While the majority of the members are local non-governmental associations, both individuals and the private sector are represented in its membership. Representatives from the municipal government also participate at the ECOHH table.

OUR VISION

Safe, appropriate and affordable housing for all Edmontonians.

OUR MISSION

The Edmonton Coalition on Housing and Homelessness works to enhance community life through collaborating with stakeholders in raising awareness of, advocating for and taking action on housing and homelessness issues.

OUR PRINCIPLES

  • Housing is a human right: Decent, affordable housing is essential for all people.

  • Partnerships: Diverse partners are essential to effectively address housing and homeless needs.

  • Inclusion: Housing is more than four walls and a roof -- it is homes, supports and community.

  • Collaboration and respect: Voices are heard and answered when making decisions.

OUR GOALS

  1. Increase public awareness and knowledge of current and emerging housing and homeless issues and best practice.

  2. Support and generate community-based research projects related to housing and homeless issues.

  3. Identify and advocate for public policies to increase the availability of affordable housing in Edmonton.

  4. Build capacity and collaboration amongst members and with external partners to respond to housing needs.

WHAT WE DO

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  • We host monthly General Meetings to provide members and the public with information on current housing issues and polices. These meetings are held between September through to June each year and feature an education session – with a guest speaker or a discussion led by our Policy and Communications Committee (which also meets monthly).

  • ECOHH provided leadership in the formation of the Edmonton Housing Trust Fund in 1999.

    • This fund now operates as Homeward Trust and is part of a long-term initiative to provide quality affordable housing in Edmonton by investment in projects.

  • In the past, ECOHH coordinated HomeFest, an annual folk music festival concert to draw attention to the need for more affordable housing.

  • ECOHH is the sponsor of the annual Homeless Memorial, commissioned the Memorial Sculpture and advocated for naming the location of the Sculpture the ‘Homeless Memorial Plaza’ (immediately north of City Hall, 103A to 104 Avenue and 99 to 100 Streets).

    • ​The sculpture was created by local sculptors Keith Turnbull and Ritchie Velthius, with the participation of a number of artists who know the experience of homelessness 

  • During Municipal, Provincial and Federal elections ECOHH engages in a public awareness campaign on housing and community supports.

    • This includes sending out a survey to candidates and disseminating responses to the public, creating housing fact sheets and organizing public forums.

  • ECOHH presents tours in Edmonton for elected leaders and key government staff to see a range of positive models in practice.

  • ECOHH participates with many municipal, provincial, and federal initiatives by being engaged in public policy discussions and responding to requests for input—most recently submitting a report to the Government of Alberta’s Affordable Housing Review Panel this past September. Submissions, documents and ECOHH member developed resources are available in our shared google drive, accessible through our 'Resources' section (subheading ''ECOHH Resources').  

  • And more

What-we-do

OUR TEAM

  • Chairperson: Nadine Chalifoux

  • Treasurer: Reza Khalili

  • Board Member at Large: Blake Jackman

  • Board Member at Large: Bradley Lafortune

  • Board Member at Large: Taylor Soroka

  • Past Chair: Laura Murphy

STRATEGIC PLAN

MEMBERSHIP

OUR MEMBERS

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