Over forty influential Edmonton Chamber members signed an historic memorandum in Dec 2023 to end homelessness. Known as the Rogers Place Declaration to End the Housing Affordability Crisis, signatories included Member representatives from the Oilers Entertainment Group, Royal Alexandra Hospital Foundation and TrustBIX (TSX V: TBIX).

Led by Alberta's homelessness and affordable housing expert Murray Soroka, the founder of Jasper Place Wellness Centre has worked tirelessly to move thousands of disadvantaged Edmontonians off the streets and into affordable housing. His current housing model includes achievable targets, but requires multiple sectors, including Edmonton business to engage in meaningful planning, co-operation and most importantly, concrete action.

This first, organizational session hosted by the Edmonton Chamber of Commerce will address raising awareness of the housing affordability crisis with the business community, drafting a call-to-action and procuring building resources. Speakers will include Murray Soroka, Bridge Healing creator Dr. Louis Francescutti, Edmonton Chamber of Commerce President & CEO Doug Griffiths and Ken Gee from Member Relations and Board Member with Hockey Helps the Homeless.

The housing affordability crisis affects us all. Edmonton's business community has the talent and resources to work together on this important issue.