Understanding Myths and Misconceptions About Homelessness in Rural Alberta

Over the past year, you may have noticed more people in our town living in tents, sleeping in vehicles, or spending time downtown without a clear place to go. This increase in visibility has sparked concern, and understandably, a lot of questions.

But alongside the concern, we’re also hearing something else: “They’re not from here.” “They’re being bussed in.” “They’re making a choice.”

Let’s take a step back and talk about what’s really happening, and what’s not.

Myth #1: “They’re not from here.”

Truth: Most are local or have strong ties to this region.

Many of the people currently without housing in our community grew up here, have family here, or have worked here in the past. Some may have left for a time and returned, just like many of us do. Rural homelessness often goes unseen for years because people survive by couch-surfing, living in vehicles, or staying quiet in the bush.

It’s not uncommon for someone who loses stable housing in a nearby communities, in the Lakeland, to come here looking for services or safety. That doesn’t make them outsiders, it makes them neighbours in need.

There is no evidence that people are being bussed in from other regions by shelters or social services. This is a myth that circulates often, especially in towns where homelessness becomes more visible for the first time. But we can confirm that no one is being shipped in.

Our 2024 Impact Report, discusses the demographic of the people we serve. As the graphic above demonstrates, majority are from the City of Cold Lake, Bonnyville and the MD of Bonnyville, and Cold Lake First Nations. These are our communities.

Myth #2: “They’re choosing this lifestyle.”

Truth: No one chooses to live outside in -30°C.

We sometimes hear people say things like “They don’t want help” or “They’re just camping.” But let’s be honest, sleeping rough in rural Alberta, in dangerous weather, often without access to bathrooms, food, or safety, isn’t a choice. It’s survival.

What may look like refusing help is often the result of:

• Past trauma or discrimination in institutions

• Fear of losing autonomy, pets, or belongings

• Mental health or cognitive challenges

• A lack of services that truly meet their needs

People accept help when it feels safe, accessible, and respectful, not when it’s forced.

Myth #4: “Homelessness doesn’t belong here.”

Truth: Homelessness is already here, and has been for a long time.

Rural homelessness has been present in our community for years, it just wasn’t always visible. People were sleeping in cars, sheds, crowded trailers, and friends’ basements. What’s changed is that now, more people are out in the open. This isn't a problem from "somewhere else." This is our community, and these are our people.

Why These Myths Matter

Misinformation makes it easier to ignore, or even blame, people experiencing homelessness. But when we repeat false narratives, we miss the chance to make meaningful change.

Instead of asking, “How do we get rid of them?” we could be asking,“How do we support people who are struggling, and make this a safer, healthier place for everyone?”