In a country like Canada, a province like Alberta, and a city like Red Deer, everyone should have access to a home!
On Feb. 25th and 26th, 2026, Red Deer City Council will be meeting for a final vote on whether to rezone the property at 7740 40 Avenue for the implementation of Project Nexus. Once rezoning has been established, a network of community support groups will come together to form a centralized outreach location to battle Red Deer’s increasing homelessness issues.
We are urging Red Deerians to lend their support by contacting our city councillors to let them know how important this is for our community!
You can share your thoughts with Red Deer City Council by email at shelter@reddeer.ca no later than 4:30pm on Feb 20, 2026.
What is Project Nexus?
Project Nexus is a vision from the Red Deer Homelessness Foundation to create a campus where housing, health, mental health, addiction, recovery, and social supports are coordinated. By bringing these services together, we can reduce barriers, prevent crisis and provide clearer pathways to stable housing. This means safer neighbourhoods, a stronger downtown and better outcomes for all.
The goal of the project is to create a coordinated access point where individuals experiencing homelessness — particularly those who are unsheltered or facing complex challenges such as addiction, mental health issues, or chronic housing instability — can access essential services in one location rather than navigating multiple disconnected agencies across the city.
What Services Would Be Included?
Project Nexus intends to include:
- A variety of shelter options
- Coordinated housing intake and case management
- Food support and clothing options
- Addiction and mental health supports
- Indigenous-led supports and cultural services
- Primary health outreach
- Income assistance navigation
- System navigation and advocacy
- Connection to shelter and permanent supportive housing
This central support model is designed to create stronger collaboration, strengthen communication between agencies, and create more consistent, accessible pathways into housing.
Is This the Right Location for Project Nexus?
The size of this existing building – estimated at 200,000 square feet – lends itself ideally to the diversity of supports required for those experiencing homelessness. The Red Deer Homeless Foundation’s role is to bring together the community in the pursuit of answers to addressing homelessness.
This particular location offers two great benefits:
Firstly, this location allows us to eliminate service corridors and instead bring programs together in one coordinated, purpose-built setting—improving access, collaboration, and overall effectiveness.
Secondly, the property offers nearly 12 acres of land and substantial square footage, creating a rare opportunity to design a comprehensive campus model that meets current needs and allows for future growth. The scale of the site provides flexibility, affordability, and the ability to thoughtfully plan services in a way that truly supports long-term community outcomes.
Obtaining community approval for any accessible service location has been a core challenge over the last few years. Now, we’re excited to be part of a concerted effort to reuse the building at 7740 40 Avenue that currently stands empty.
All parties involved in this plan want the best for all members of the community and will do their utmost to secure the safety and well-being of visitors to the centre and those in its vicinity.
Our Timeline is Brief – Lend Your Support Now!
Organizers and Red Deer’s growing number of homeless residents need the support of this community to get the project off the ground and to secure a roof over their heads.
Please take a moment to share your thoughts with Red Deer City Council, and make sure they understand your reasons for supporting Project NExus.
Share your thoughts with Red Deer City Council by email at shelter@reddeer.ca no later than 4:30pm on Feb 20, 2026.