Released on May 9, 2014
The Government of Saskatchewan is working with the Salvation Army to ensure people in need of emergency shelter services are provided with timely, safe and reliable overnight housing options and other services through an investment of up to $2.35 million per year over the next three years.“We have to ensure that people with low incomes have a warm and safe place to sleep in an emergency,” Social Services Minister June Draude said. “Our ongoing support for the Salvation Army and its important programs ensures individuals and families have somewhere to turn when in need. Our government is committed to working with community-based organizations so that our most vulnerable citizens are supported now and into the future. I want to thank the Salvation Army for their tremendous work, dedication and passion.”
Since November 2007, the number of emergency shelter spaces in the province has more than doubled with the addition of 221 new shelter spaces. There are currently 439 permanent emergency shelter spaces in Saskatchewan.
“Our partnership with the Ministry of Social Services is allowing us to provide the supports necessary to ensure our clients’ safety and security in their time of need,” Saskatoon Salvation Army Executive Director Major Malba Holliday said. “We have seen firsthand the tremendous benefits increased communication between the ministry and emergency shelter service providers has had on the clients we serve. These efforts are directly benefiting individuals and families when they need it most.”
In addition to funding for emergency shelter, the Ministry of Social Services provides support to people with low-incomes to help with the cost of shelter through its income assistance programs and the Saskatchewan Rental Housing Supplement. The Ministry of Social Services regularly engages with emergency shelter providers to plan for the needs of individuals who are temporarily homeless and lack the ability to pay for their basic needs.
“Saskatchewan’s economic growth is helping us ensure we protect Saskatchewan’s vulnerable people and support their inclusion in the province’s prosperity,” Draude said. “Our government is committed to meeting the challenges of growth in Saskatchewan, and we must continue to ensure our most vulnerable are able to access and benefit from the supports this growth brings.”
The Ministry of Social Services’ investment of up to $2.35 million in the 2014-15 Budget is part of government's continuing commitment to help Saskatchewan’s most vulnerable access emergency shelter. In addition to providing funding for emergency shelter (up to $1.89 million) and after-hours emergency services (up to $88,000), up to $363,000 will go toward the Salvation Army’s budget counseling programming services. These financial management and counseling supports help individuals manage their funds as they work to become more self-sufficient.
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For more information, contact:
Tara Gereaux
Social Services
Regina
Phone: 06-787-3610
Email: tara.gereaux@gov.sk.ca