A permanent supportive housing project in Edmonton named Joey’s Home, after Edmonton icon Joey Moss, is receiving funding to add five new units and renovate its care facility. The provincial government is contributing $340,000 through the Affordable Housing Partnership Program, which is cost-matched by the federal government. Joey’s Home is a permanent supportive housing project for individuals with disabilities, opened in 2007 by the Winnifred Stewart Association with a mission to help individuals access the supports they need. The project, located on 111th Avenue and 132nd Street in Edmonton, currently has 12 specialized housing units for individuals with diverse abilities. Moss himself was a long-time resident of the facility.
The funding will be used to create five new units at Joey’s Home, bringing the total to 17 specialized housing units for individuals with dementia-related challenges and intellectual disabilities. The building will also have three common kitchens and a living room on each floor. The CEO of the Winnifred Stewart Association, Emily Ruttan, expressed gratitude to the province for expanding access to affordable housing options for Albertans, emphasizing the importance of increased levels of inclusion and independence within the community. The funding will also be used to renovate Joey’s Home Mindful Hearts Memory Care Centre, a two-story home in north-central Edmonton.
Alberta’s Minister of Seniors, Community and Social Services, Jason Nixon, stated that through the funding, Joey’s Home will continue to provide a safe and caring place for Albertans with diverse abilities to thrive. He highlighted the significance of the investment in enriching the lives of Albertans and honoring Joey’s legacy. Moss, who worked as a staff member for the Edmonton Oilers and Edmonton Elks for over three decades, passed away in October 2020 at the age of 57. He became the NHL team’s locker room attendant in 1984 after being recommended by Wayne Gretzky, who was dating Moss’ sister at the time. Gretzky and Moss developed a close friendship over the years, with Gretzky playing a significant role in Moss’ career with the Oilers.
The Affordable Housing Partnership Program, which is funding the expansion and renovation of Joey’s Home, is a collaboration between public, non-profit, and private sectors to create customized affordable housing solutions that meet local needs. This program is part of the National Housing Strategy bilateral agreement, with funding matched by the federal government. The investment in Joey’s Home will provide much-needed affordable specialized housing options for individuals with disabilities, contributing to the creation of richer and more inclusive communities. By expanding access to affordable housing and enhancing support services, the project aims to improve the quality of life for residents and families while honoring the legacy of Joey Moss within the community.
The additional funding for Joey’s Home will enable the facility to continue its mission of providing specialized housing and supports for individuals with diverse abilities. The new units and renovated care facility will enhance the living environment for residents and create a sense of community that fosters independence and inclusion. By investing in projects like Joey’s Home, the government is demonstrating its commitment to addressing the housing and support needs of vulnerable populations. The legacy of Joey Moss, a beloved figure in the Edmonton community, lives on through the ongoing efforts to provide affordable housing and care services to individuals with disabilities, ensuring that their unique needs are met and that they have a place to call home where they can thrive and be supported.
