wâpanAcâhcahk - Morningstar
Confidence and Belonging
Everyone deserves a safe, supportive place to grow, realize your own potential, and call home.
This powerful belief guided the creation of wâpanAcâhcahk – Morningstar Supportive Housing in Edmonton. The City of Edmonton wanted to develop more than just a roof; they aimed to create a permanent home where residents could find stability, dignity, and a true sense of belonging.
The location on Terrace Road, nestled near a busy roadway and a beautiful park, presented a key opportunity: to design a place that offers quiet comfort for residents while thoughtfully connecting to the surrounding community.
Our design for this 54-unit building was guided by human-centred thinking and the proven Housing First principles. The modest, brick-clad exterior fits naturally into the neighbourhood. Inside, we focused on making support truly seamless. A multidisciplinary team, including case management, addiction counsellors, and social workers, is integrated on-site and provides immediate access to a lifeline of support.
Morningstar is a testament to how thoughtful architecture can reinforce dignity and independence. The layout carefully balances privacy with openness, allowing residents to feel secure while also fostering meaningful engagement. Beyond the walls, initiatives like community kitchens and computer literacy programs help residents build skills and connect with their neighbours. This careful blend of durable design and integrated services creates a respectful, inclusive environment where residents are met exactly where they are, giving them the stability and connections they need to truly thrive. It’s more than a building—it’s a foundation for a brighter future.
“wâpanAcâhcahk – Morning Star – is more than a building. It’s a home, a community, and a fresh start for people who have experienced years, sometimes decades, without safe housing.”