Royal Alexandra Hospital Foundation

The Royal Alexandra Hospital Foundation proudly introduces a significant advancement for individuals experiencing houselessness upon discharge from emergency rooms. The Government of Alberta has committed $1.8 million to sustain the Bridge Healing Transitional Accommodation Program through 2025-2026. This vital investment ensures continued integrated health and social support for vulnerable individuals leaving the hospital, helping them transition to long-term housing and stability.  

Read more about this critical advancement or download the official press release here.

The Royal Alexandra Hospital Foundation extends its gratitude and congratulations to the Government of Alberta’s Ministry of Seniors, Community and Social Services after it announced it will provide $1.8 million in funding to ensure the continued operations of the Bridge Healing Transitional Accommodation program for 2025-2026. 

This critical investment will sustain vital support services for vulnerable individuals leaving the hospital, helping them stabilize and transition to long-term housing and community care. Since 2023, the Royal Alexandra Hospital Foundation has been fundraising in support of the Bridge Healing Transitional Accommodation program. Through this funding and that by the government, the Jasper Place Wellness Centre provides short-term accommodation, comprehensive care coordination, and tailored support services, including healthcare access, income support, and housing navigation for its residents for the next two years. 

“This funding commitment from the Government of Alberta is a testament to the importance of transitional programs that bridge the gap between emergency healthcare and stable housing,” said Sharlene Rutherford, President and CEO of the Royal Alexandra Hospital Foundation. “By ensuring individuals discharged from hospital are not returning to the streets but instead have a place to recover and access essential services, we are building a healthier and more compassionate community. A true investment in finding a human way forward for patients who need it most.” 

Since 2023, the Royal Alexandra Hospital Foundation has been engaging individuals and community groups to come together to be part of the solution to end the city’s housing and homelessness crisis. 

The Royal Alexandra Hospital’s Emergency Department handles the lion’s share of this patient population – and discharging to the streets is deeply distressing to all healthcare providers. 

 Preliminary data collected by Alberta Health Services demonstrates that the program is helping to reduce emergency department visits, improving health outcomes for participants, and freeing up inpatient hospital beds. 

The Bridge Healing Transitional Accommodation program is a proven healthcare and social service collaboration model that supports the most vulnerable Albertans. With this new funding, the program will continue providing essential services that foster long-term success for individuals in need. 

For more information and to support the Bridge Healing program, please visit: www.royalalex.org/bridgehealing.