Edmonton invests $5 million in youth and family intervention

Youth and family interventions are getting a small boost in Edmonton after city council announced a $5 million grant Wednesday afternoon.

The money is expected to be distributed to 27 different recipients. Organizations say they have seen a huge increase in need over the past five years.

“We’ve definitely seen a greater number of families struggling. And a lot of that has to do with the rising costs of everything, lack of access to services,” explained Karen Mottershead, the executive director of Terra Centre.

Edmonton City Councillor Micheal Janz was also present at the announcement and said this grant is intended to help some of the most vulnerable in the city.

Janz also agreed with Edmonton Police Chief Dale McFee, who recently said it’s important to help young people through intervention before they commit crimes or end up on the streets.

“These types of investments will hopefully help before they get to the encampments. This is much earlier in the stage. It’s really about building that foundation before we ever get to that encampment conversation,” Janz explained.