With increasing homelessness due to a lack of affordable housing and the downturn in the economy, the Government of Alberta has endorsed a ten year plan to end homelessness. According to the provincial government the plan is based on a "Housing First" model which provides immediate housing and then offers support as required. Using this approach, the plan focuses on three key areas.

• Rapid re-housing of homeless Albertans into permanent housing. The role of shelters becomes one of facilitating a rapid exit from homelessness into permanent housing.
• Providing client-centred supports to re-housed clients to give them the assistance they need to restore stability in their lives and maintain their housing.
• Preventing homelessness through emergency assistance and providing adequate and accessible government programs and services to Albertans.

According to the Wellesley Institute the news has surprised more than a few housing advocates who do not expect the Alberta government to be blazing the lead on critical social policy issues such as affordable housing.