Government funding ends for supportive housing program Amethyst House 

Government funding ends for supportive housing program Amethyst House 

Published 10:25 am Wednesday, September 30, 2026

Canadian Mental Health Association’s permanent supportive housing programs, including Red Deer’s Amethyst House, officially ceased operation on September 30 following the province’s decision to stop funding the programs.

The Ministry of Mental Health and Addiction said work is underway to establish a new permanent supportive housing program in the city.

Amethyst House, a housing first program located at the former Econo Lodge building on 50th Avenue, had already closed down July 17 due to health and safety concerns, and residents were transferred to other accommodations.

Government funding to Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) Alberta Central Region’s program Pathways to Housing Permanent Supportive Housing has also come to an end.

CMHA said the programs, which originally had space to house up to 62 clients, were supporting about 38 clients.

“Our priority throughout this transition is the safety, stability and well-being of the clients we serve. CMHA is working closely with the Government of Alberta and other partners to support an orderly transition and to minimize disruption to clients and their supports,” said Courtney Ukrainetz, executive director of CMHA Alberta Central Region, in a statement.

The Ministry of Mental Health and Addiction said no decisions have been made about the location, specific eligibility requirements of clients, nor the operator of a new permanent supportive housing program that aligns with the Alberta Recovery Model and meets community needs. Planning is still in its early stages.

“Community engagement is a requirement for any new government-funded permanent supportive housing program. Once an operator has been selected, they will begin conducting engagement activities to share information and address any concerns,” said the ministry in a statement.

“We look forward to sharing more information with community partners as the work progresses.”