Supports for Those in Need of a Warm Place to Sleep in Prince Albert

Released on November 14, 2014

Prince Albert Northcote MLA Victoria Jurgens, on behalf of Social Services Minister Donna Harpauer and Corrections and Policing Minister Christine Tell, was joined by Prince Albert YWCA Executive Director Donna Brooks and other dignitaries to announce an investment totalling $55,000 to support those in need of emergency shelter in Prince Albert.

“Our government has taken concrete action to prevent and reduce homelessness because we want all Canadians to have a secure roof over their heads so they can prosper,” said Member of Parliament for Prince Albert Randy Hoback, on behalf of Candice Bergen, Minister of State (Social Development).  “The Prince Albert YWCA’s cold weather shelters project is a good example of how we work with partners to achieve this goal.  The Government of Canada through the Homelessness Partnering Strategy is proud to contribute $25,000 to the realisation of that great initiative.”

“Nobody should be without a warm place to sleep,” Jurgens said.  “That’s why our government is providing our community partners with the funding supports they need to make sure Prince Albert’s most vulnerable get the help they need, when they need it.”

The 10-bed cold weather shelter opened in Prince Albert in 2013-14 and is operating again for the winter of 2014-15.  The Ministry of Social Services will provide $25,000 to support the operation of the Prince Albert YWCA’s cold weather shelter in 2014-15.  The Ministry of Justice has committed to providing $5,000 that will go toward general program administration.

The combined amount is based on per diems for emergency shelter rates.  These 10 beds are in addition to the 90 shelter beds operated year-round by the YWCA in Prince Albert.

“The contribution of $55,000 by the Governments of Saskatchewan and Canada is essential to the operation of the cold weather shelter,” Brooks said.  “Without their partnership, we would be unable to offer this service and as a result many of our vulnerable people would remain at risk.”

Since the fall of 2007, the number of emergency shelter spaces in the province has nearly doubled, an increase of 97 per cent or 212 new shelter spaces.  For adults, the number of spaces has increased from 218 to 430 spaces.  These shelter spaces are in addition to other shelter services such as domestic violence shelters, youth shelters and detox centres.

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For more information, contact:

Linda Saliken
Social Services
Regina
Phone: 306-787-0146
Email: linda.saliken@gov.sk.ca

Noel Busse
Justice
Regina
Phone: 306-787-8959
Email: noel.busse@gov.sk.ca

Donna Brooks
YWCA
Prince Albert
Phone: 306-763-8571
Email: donnabrooks.ywca@sasktel.net

Media Relations Office
Employment and Social Development Canada
Phone: 819-994-5559
Email: media@hrsdc-rhdcc.gc.ca