Libraries in Red Deer change hiring and training amid homelessness crisis

Red Deer Public Library reports more people experiencing homelessness using its branches and has shifted hiring priorities and staff training to better serve the public. Provincial and city officials have announced shelter funding and short-term warming supports, and the city has issued a request for proposals for a permanent shelter operator.

Red Deer Public Library says it has seen an increase in people experiencing homelessness at its branches after colder weather and the closure of a local drop-in centre. The library has changed hiring priorities to emphasize public-facing skills and has added staff training such as first aid and a program described as a "homeless academy." Library leaders across Canada report similar pressures related to homelessness, mental health and substance use, and say much of the training is being handled within libraries rather than by outside social services. City and provincial officials have announced funding and early steps to expand shelter and warming supports. Current facts: - Red Deer Public Library CEO Shelley Ross reports increased use of library branches by people experiencing homelessness and says hiring now prioritizes the ability to work with the public. - The library provides first aid training and a program described as a "homeless academy" to prepare staff for interactions with patrons facing complex needs. - Mary Chevreau of the Canadian Urban Libraries Council says libraries nationwide are adapting services and training while lacking dedicated funding to hire social-service staff. - Alberta's 2025 budget included $220 million for shelter spaces, and the City of Red Deer announced $150,000 to expand winter warming initiatives and has issued a request for proposals to find an operator for a permanent shelter. Summary: Libraries are reallocating staff time and training to respond to increased use by people experiencing homelessness, which affects available space and resources for other library activities. The province and city have announced funding and the City of Red Deer has begun a procurement process for a shelter operator; how long libraries will remain stretched is undetermined at this time.