At Hiregood, our mission goes beyond providing exceptional service—it’s about creating lasting, positive change in our communities. Our world-class public washroom program, which has become a model across North America, exemplifies this commitment. From its inception, the program has transformed the landscape of public facilities in Edmonton, and now, others are taking note of its success.
Recently, Dan Gray from Meridian Source highlighted our work in an article that explored how Hiregood’s approach could be a solution to the unhoused issues in Lloydminster. We are deeply grateful for this recognition and want to extend our heartfelt thanks to Dan for shining a light on the impact of our efforts.
Our public washroom attendants play a pivotal role in maintaining the cleanliness, safety, and welcoming environment of these facilities. Their work has not only reduced emergency calls by over 90% at key locations like the Whyte Ave. washrooms but has also fostered a sense of dignity and respect within the community. This program’s success has led to its expansion across more than 60 locations in Edmonton, including parks, libraries, and transit centers.
What makes our program truly unique is our workforce. Over 75% of our employees have faced significant life challenges, such as homelessness, addiction, or mental health issues. We provide them with opportunities for employment and personal growth, meeting them where they are and offering support every step of the way. As our executive director, Jodi Phelan, says, "We don’t judge, we don’t drug test, we give them a chance to help themselves."
Our employees' lived experiences enable them to connect with those who might be causing issues, earning their respect and creating safer spaces for everyone. This mutual understanding and shared responsibility have been key to our program’s success and have made Edmonton a cleaner, more vibrant, and safer city.
The impact of our work has not gone unnoticed. In his May 2023 State of the City address, Mayor Amarjeet Sohi praised Hiregood’s contributions to Edmonton, acknowledging the significant improvements we’ve made in public safety and cleanliness.
As we continue to grow, expanding our services to cities like Calgary, we remain committed to our core values—supporting those in need, creating opportunities for personal and professional growth, and making our communities safer and more inclusive.
We are incredibly proud of what we’ve accomplished and are excited to see how our model can inspire change in other communities across the country.
Thank you again to Dan Gray and Meridian Source for recognizing our work and helping to spread the word about the difference we’re making. Read the full article here.
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