Latest count finds 645 experiencing homelessness in Red Deer

Coinciding with the report is a new statement from Hope Mission, which took over operations of Red Deer’s emergency homeless shelter on April 1.

Hope Mission, which will play a big part in the in-progress Project Nexus, shared that 136 was the average number of people who used the shelter in its first three months at the helm.

A Hope Mission staff member serves up a meal at the Red Deer emergency homeless shelter. (Image Credit: Hope Mission)

That’s, of course, during warmer months — albeit they have been wet.

Meanwhile, a total of 635 different people have stayed in the shelter, with more than half staying three nights or less, according to Hope Mission.

They also note 11 people have been moved into housing over those 90 days.

“These first few months confirm what many people in Red Deer already knew—there is significant demand for shelter and support services,” says Cory Dixon, donor relations coordinator, Hope Mission.

“We’re encouraged by the early progress, including people moving into housing, and we’re grateful for the community support that makes this work possible.”

From 2025 Point in Time Homeless County summary report. (Image Credit: City of Red Deer)

As for the PiT Count, the city’s community development superintendent, Tyler McKinnon, emphasizes that it is only a snapshot in time and may not reflect the full extent of homelessness in the community.

Other factors, he says, may include encampment cleanups, which push people into harder-to-find areas; and lower shelter rates due to milder weather and prior renovations; plus, a reduced number of unhoused in transitional housing.

There were 1,105 encampments cleaned up by city staff in 2025 — 337 housing support referrals and 688 social services referrals were also given.

Another enumeration is anticipated in fall 2026, then a full survey is planned for 2027.

by Josh Hall

Latest count finds 645 experiencing homelessness in Red Deer

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