As the Homeless Foundation for Red Deer Region takes its first steps, we are guided by the principle that success comes not just from good intentions—but from focused action. That’s why we are investing in strategic planning as the foundation for our work.
Strategic planning allows us to move beyond reactive efforts and build a coordinated, long-term approach to reducing and managing homelessness in our region. It helps answer critical questions: What are we trying to achieve? How will we measure progress? Where should we invest our time, energy, and resources for maximum impact?
In the coming months, we’ll be engaging stakeholders, analyzing data, and building a clear roadmap rooted in three essential elements: a shared vision, measurable goals, and a realistic plan for implementation. This process aligns with the classic principle of “Ready. Aim.Fire.” First, we ready ourselves—by listening, learning, and understanding the landscape. Then, we aim— defining our objectives with clarity and purpose. Only then do we fire—launching targeted initiatives that are aligned, accountable,and community-driven.
Our approach is informed by the Red Deer & District Chamber of Commerce’s Task Force on Homelessness, which emphasized the need for coordinated leadership, evidence-based strategies, and community engagement. Their recommendations highlighted the importance of establishing a dedicated foundation to lead homelessness initiatives, ensuring that efforts are not fragmented but unified under a common strategic vision.
By integrating these insights, the Homeless Foundation for Red Deer Region is committed to fostering collaboration among stakeholders, advocating for policy changes, and implementing effective solutions. Through smart strategy and bold action, we will ensure that Red Deer supports the most vulnerable in our community.
Federal Housing Commitments and the Road Ahead for Red Deer
With the Federal Election over and the Liberals receiving a renewed mandate, let’s take a moment to summarize what we can expect from a government led by Prime Minister Mark Carney.
The Liberal platform both reaffirmed policies introduced under the previous administration and outlined expanded measures to address the countries need for housing.
- Candidate Mark Carney pledged to continue and enhance Trudeau era initiatives, emphasizing the construction of 100,000 middle-class homes, over 20,000 new affordable rental units, and the revitalization of 130,000 units in critical disrepair.
- He introduced the “Build Canada Homes” program, aiming to make the federal government more directly involved in homebuilding, inspired by post-World War II housing strategies.
- Carney’s administration is also focusing on leveraging federal lands for affordable housing and supporting vulnerable groups disproportionately affected by housing insecurity. Mark-Carneys-Liberals-unveil-Canadas-most-ambitious-housing-plan-since-the-Second-World-War.pdf
What Does This Mean for Red Deer?
As the federal government rolls out its ambitious housing strategy, the Homeless Foundation for Red Deer Region (HFRDR) will collaborate closely with all levels of government to identify and advance solutions that address the unique housing challenges in our community. The Foundation is committed to working with municipal, provincial, and federal partners to ensure the effective use of resources and policies, including federal funds like the $12 million Housing Accelerator Grant recently approved for the City of Red Deer. Through coordinated efforts, we will continue to advocate for housing solutions that meet the specific needs of Red Deer residents, with a focus on reducing chronic homelessness and expanding affordable housing opportunities across the region.
The Economic Case for Addressing Homelessness
Homelessness is often viewed through a social or humanitarian lens—but its economic impact is equally profound. Across Canada, it costs taxpayers an estimated $30,000 to $70,000 per person per year to leave someone homeless. These costs arise from increased reliance on high-cost emergency services, such as hospital visits, crisis mental health care, policing, and shelters.
By contrast, proven approaches like supportive housing—which combine permanent housing with wraparound supports—can drastically reduce those costs. In fact, for every $1 invested in supportive housing, communities save $9 to $13 in avoided emergency service use. These are not just savings—they’re smarter, more sustainable investments in community well-being.
Homelessness also limits economic growth in other ways: it reduces workforce participation, depresses property values, strains housing markets, and creates pressure on local infrastructure and services. In cities across Canada, homelessness affects downtown vibrancy, tourism appeal, and business development.
The message is clear: ending homelessness isn’t just a moral imperative—it’s an economic one. By shifting from reactive spending to proactive investment, we can create healthier communities, stronger economies, and a better future for everyone.
With Gratitude: Turning Vision Into Reality
The Homeless Foundation for Red Deer Region is proud to announce that our new office space in the Millennium Centre is officially up and running—thanks to the generous support of Red Deer Polytechnic, who donated the space as part of their commitment to community impact. This contribution has provided us with a functional and visible home base as we begin the critical work of participating in Red Deer’s response to homelessness.
We are equally grateful to the Red Deer & District Community Foundation and United Way Central Alberta for their early investment in our operations. Their support is helping us build the internal capacity, governance, and systems needed to ensure the Foundation is positioned for long-term success.
As we continue to grow, the Foundation is actively pursuing registered charitable status with the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). This step will allow us to issue tax receipts and make it easier for private donors, philanthropists, and businesses to play a meaningful role in helping solve homelessness in our region.
To learn more about how you can help make an impact addressing homelessness, reach out to us at admin@homelessnessreddeer.com.
Together, with strong local partnerships and a shared commitment to action, we are turning momentum into measurable impact.
Why I’m Here..
As we establish the Homeless Foundation in the weeks and months ahead, we want to take the opportunity over the coming editions to introduce you to our Board of Directors. This includes offering them a chance to share, in their own words, why they chose to step up to the challenge.
Dan Ouwehand, Community Planner and Sociologist
With a background that bridges homebuilding, urban planning, and social science, Dan Ouwehand brings a rare blend of technical insight and human-centred perspective to the Board of the Homeless Foundation for Red Deer Region. After a successful career in the residential construction industry, Dan pursued a sociology degree to deepen his understanding of the structural and societal challenges impacting vulnerable populations. Since then, he has served in municipal roles in both Red Deer and Red Deer County, working in land use planning and business licensing— areas where policy and lived experience often intersect.
Dan’s passion for addressing homelessness stems from both professional and personal observations. As someone who frequently uses the city’s downtown and trail systems, he has seen first hand how housing insecurity plays out in public spaces. His academic training has allowed him to study the root causes of homelessness, from systemic poverty to the opioid crisis, and to explore evidence-based approaches that address both prevention and intervention.
Reflecting on his hopes for the Foundation, Dan notes:“Red Deer is a regional hub not just for commerce, but for services and support. We’re uniquely positioned to make a difference. I’m committed to helping the Foundation build a solid policy framework, secure stable funding, and establish a clear presence in the community. Over time, I want us to be able to point to real results—measurable progress that shows we’re not just responding to homelessness, but actively changing the conditions that cause it.”
We are pleased to welcome Dan to the Board and are confident that his perspective and leadership will help advance the Foundation’s mission in meaningful ways.