Advocates say vulnerable Edmontonians need more protection for winter [Video]

Ten advocacy groups have come together to demand more protections for vulnerable Edmontonians ahead of colder temperatures.

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The coalition released a joint statement on Thursday, listing several demands it said will protect the lives, well-being and human rights of unhoused Edmontonians this winter.

“A lot of us from these organizations that signed the statement, we have made a lot of meaningful connections and relationships with these people,” said Rachelle Gladue, co-founder of harm-reduction agency Tawâw Outreach Collective.

“They’re our friends, they’re our family, and we don’t want to see them harmed. We don’t want to see them dead.”

According to Edmonton’s lead housing agency, Homeward Trust, the number of people living unhoused or in unstable housing had risen by 47 per cent between January and July of this year.

Last week, Minister of Seniors, Community …