RMWB receives grant funding for homelessness prevention

(Fort McMurray, AB – April 1, 2026) – Through the federal government’s Homelessness Reduction Innovation Fund (HRIF), the Canadian Alliance to End Homelessness (CAEH) contributed $367,296 to the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo (RMWB). This funding will go to the Salvation Army to hire two temporary positions, including a homelessness prevention coordinator and a rent bank program specialist to support its Homelessness Prevention Project.

The Homelessness Prevention Project aims to prevent individuals from becoming homeless by identifying those at risk and providing urgent financial help. This project will run from April 2026 to March 2027.

This is the second round of approved funding from the HRIF and will assist in the continuity of homelessness services throughout the region. In December 2025, the RMWB received and distributed the first round of funding from the HRIF for 30 additional local housing placements, two housing coordinators, and one landlord support liaison to achieve measurable reductions in homelessness.

“Reaching Home, Canada’s Homelessness Strategy helps communities kickstart targeted, data-informed initiatives that measurably reduce homelessness,” said the Honourable Gregor Robertson, Minister of Housing and Infrastructure and Minister responsible for Pacific Economic Development Canada. “We are proud to recognize the second round of approved funding for the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo, which will help a local non-profit fill two positions that are essential to homelessness prevention.”

Learn more about the municipality’s response to homelessness at rmwb.ca/homelessness.

HRIF grant is part of $45 million national housing initiative

The Canadian Alliance to End Homelessness (CAEH) and the Government of Canada are partnering with the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo to reduce homelessness through the Homelessness Reduction Innovation Fund (HRIF). Through the HRIF, $45 million will be invested over a three-year period to help communities across Canada develop data-centered initiatives to help prevent and reduce homelessness. This funding is part of the federal government’s $1 billion commitment to Reaching Home: Canada’s Homelessness Strategy through Budget 2024.

Learn more about the HRIF. Anyone looking for more information is encouraged to contact Pulse at 743-7000 or toll free at 1-800-973-9663.

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