Released on December 20, 2013
The Government of Saskatchewan is investing in an innovative Prince Albert program designed to bring homeless residents of the city in from the cold.The YWCA of Prince Albert will operate the Cold Weather Shelter program out of the existing Our House shelter facility. The program will provide an alternative for individuals not able to access existing shelter services because they are intoxicated. Under the terms of the new program, bed spaces will be available for up to 10 individuals a night from 8 p.m. to 8 a.m., beginning December 23.
“No one in our province should have to go without a warm and safe place to sleep,” Social Services Minister June Draude said. “We believe the Cold Weather Shelter will take pressure off of existing detox facilities, hospitals and the police cells, while keeping people safe in our often harsh winter weather conditions. Our government is pleased to support the YWCA in launching this program.”
The province will provide an initial investment of $40,000 to support the operation of the shelter through April of 2014. Funding for the program is being provided by the Ministries of Social Services, Health (through Prince Albert Parkland Health Region), Justice and Government Relations. The Northern Lights Community Development Corporation, as directed by the Prince Albert Grand Council, is contributing $50,000 in funding for the project.
Our House is an adult shelter for men and women operated by the YWCA of Prince Albert. The shelter currently offers 12 crisis beds for women, 10 beds for men, and eight transitional beds for either men or women. The YWCA operates a total of 89 shelter beds at two facilities in Prince Albert. The 10 beds for the Cold Weather Shelter are located in the basement of Our House. The facility is staffed 24 hours a day, and provides shelter, clothing, food, coffee, showers and laundry facilities.
“The YWCA Prince Albert is excited to open the new Cold Weather Shelter,” YWCA CEO Donna Brooks said. “We can now provide immediate overnight shelter to individuals who may not have been able to access our existing shelter beds in the past, including individuals who are intoxicated. I am touched and overwhelmed by the support provided to the YWCA on this project.”
Admission to the shelter will be denied to highly intoxicated and/or violent individuals who may pose a threat to themselves or others. In those cases, the police will be called.
“The Cold Weather Shelter program complements the work of the Saskatchewan Child and Family Agenda and its focus on safe communities,” Draude said. “By working with our community partners across the province, we’re building safer and stronger communities for everyone.”
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For more information, contact:
Pete Paczko
Social Services
Regina
Phone: 306-787-0531
Email: pete.paczko@gov.sk.ca