Last week, Red Deer City Council approved $150,000 in funding to expand winter warming supports as part of the 2026 Budget, strengthening the community’s ability to respond to cold weather and support individuals in need.
Following Council’s decision, the Community Winter Warming Collaborative met to identify initiatives that could be implemented quickly while addressing a range of needs. Three programs were recommended for funding, combining expanded capacity at existing warming spaces with the introduction of a new overnight option offering enhanced supports.
The approved initiatives include:
Potters Hands Kitchen – Overnight Coffee Expansion: $42,350
- Provides warming space for 40–50 people
- Currently operates during extreme cold and is consistently at capacity
- Expansion allows operations five nights per week, regardless of temperature
- Improves consistency and reliability of overnight warming supports
The Mustard Seed – Daytime Drop-In and Warming Space Expansion: $11,500
- Expands service to five days per week
- Supports approximately 50 people
- Extends daytime hours to better meet community demand
Overnight Warming Centre with Wraparound Supports (Collaborative Project): $96,150 total
- Overnight operation from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m.
- Designed to support individuals with higher acuity and more complex needs
- Delivered through a collaborative model to provide coordinated, intensive supports
- Anticipated to launch within one to two weeks
“Together, these initiatives reflect a balanced approach to winter warming, quickly increasing capacity at trusted community locations while also introducing a more comprehensive overnight option for those who require additional support,” said Bobby-Jo Stannard, Safe & Health Communities Manager.
The City of Red Deer will continue working alongside community partners to ensure winter warming services remain responsive, accessible, and aligned with the needs of the community as colder weather continues.