Homelessness and public safety event discusses need for more day spaces in Calgary
Credit: Riley Fonger, Calgary Journal
November 20, 2025
A Calgary Journal pop-up event about public safety showcased solutions journalism in action on Thursday afternoon.
Archie McLean, a professor with Mount Royal University’s journalism program, focused his advanced reporting course this semester on homelessness and public safety in Calgary. Students worked with journalist-in-residence Doug Horner to produce solutions-oriented and community-focused stories.
Horner contributed a feature-length story on homelessness in Calgary, which served as the springboard for Thursday’s event’s focus.
“One thing that came through while doing the research for this story is that there are a lot more people closer to homelessness than you might think,” Horner said.
McLean’s class organized the event both to give back to the community and to create space for attendees to share their perspectives.
Held at the BLOX Arts Centre, the event included a free meal and a clothing drive—both of which were exhausted–along with live music.
“It’s just helpful finding out that there are places like this that promote something and you don’t have to give something back,” one attendee said. Others expressed gratitude for the free meal and warm clothing as cold winter winds blow through Calgary’s streets.
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As part of the public safety focus, McLean’s class also developed a public bathroom and Wi-Fi map for Calgary.
The map is designed to help locate free washrooms and internet access, resources that can become crucial during the winter months.
Panel discussion
Five panellists discussed the importance of day spaces in serving Calgary’s unhoused community.
“I think some people consider people who are unhoused as being different,” said panellist and pastor of Journey Church, Chris Bilodeau. “But we’re all the same. We’re all people,” he added.
Horner noted that during his interviews, he found many Calgarians are just one or two pay cheques away from finding themselves in a troubled situation.
Panellist Alice Lam of Good Neighbour stressed that many people are ready for housing, but the necessary support from the city lags.
“We’re learning from them, as much as they’re learning from us,” Bilodeau said.
Panellists also emphasized the need for more day spaces and stronger community support to help people stabilize and transition into housing.
Jon Molyneux, with the Concorde Group, which owns restaurants and bars in the city, attended the event and said he appreciated learning more about efforts underway in Calgary.
“I’m always keen to learn more about the organizations that are doing something to help make change,” he said. “I’m interested to hear about these day spaces, what impact they’re having, and whether there’s support we can contribute.”
If you’re interested in offering support, you’re encouraged to reach out to any of the panellists or their organizations listed below:
- Alice Lam – Good Neighbour
- Chris Bilodeau – Journey Church
- Brad Pert – Central Outreach Hub
- Jessica Cope Williams – Calgary Homeless Foundation
- Jon Molyneux – Concorde Group
