2016 Cold Weather Strategy Launched

Released on November 17, 2016

The Government of Saskatchewan and its community partners are encouraging all Saskatchewan residents to contact the Ministry of Social Services, community agencies, or 911 if they see someone in need of shelter this winter.

“There is no reason anyone should be on the street when it is cold,” Social Services Minister Tina Beaudry-Mellor said. “We want Saskatchewan residents to know that they can contact the Ministry of Social Services or our community partners if they need help. Community and government organizations are working together again this year to make sure everyone has a safe and warm place to sleep.”

“This is a dangerous time of the year for those without a warm place to stay, and we are here to support anyone who needs our help,” Regina Mobile Crisis Executive Director John McFadyen said. “Warm, indoor spaces are available 24 hours per day, and we are all working together to ensure everyone stays safe this winter.”

“There are supports available in communities across Saskatchewan for individuals who are in need of shelter, and it is important that people know how to access these supports,” Salvation Army Major Mike Hoeft said. “I know that the kind and caring people of Saskatchewan will help each other in making sure that all people are aware of safe and available sleeping options.”

In Regina, Mobile Crisis Services provides services and referrals 24 hours a day, seven days a week and can be reached at 306-757-0127. Individuals will be connected with the appropriate shelter supports in Regina that will meet their needs. During weekday business hours, individuals can drop in to the Ministry of Social Services’ Regina Service Centre at 2045 Broad Street for assistance.

In Saskatoon, the Salvation Army can be contacted by calling 306-244-6280 and provides emergency services and referrals 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Individuals will be connected with the appropriate shelter supports in Saskatoon that will meet their needs. During weekday business hours, individuals may drop in to the Ministry of Social Services’ Saskatoon Service Centre at 160 - 2nd Avenue South for assistance.

In Prince Albert, Prince Albert Mobile Crisis is available after hours at 306-764-1011 and will connect callers with shelter supports. YWCA after-hours emergency services for men and women at Our House (15th Street Location) are available at 306-922-6162.

Individuals in other communities across the province should contact their nearest Ministry of Social Services Centre. A list of service centres is available at www.saskatchewan.ca/residents/family-and-social-support/find-a-social-services-office. They can also contact an emergency shelter, Mobile Crisis Service (if available in their community), or the police.

If someone is in immediate danger, please call 911 to ensure the person in need gets help. A list of shelters and services for people in need is available at www.sk.211.ca.

In Regina, the Cold Weather Strategy was put into effect on November 1. The Saskatoon Cold Weather Strategy group communicates daily through text messages, email or phone when the wind-chill or temperature drops below -30C, when the snowfall warning is 10 or more centimeters, or if there are serious weather warnings. The Prince Albert Cold Weather Strategy was put into effect on October 17.

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For more information, contact:

Leya Moore
Social Services
Regina
Phone: 306-787-3610
Email: leya.moore@gov.sk.ca

Major Mike Hoeft
Salvation Army
Phone: 306-757-1552
Email: Mike_Hoeft@can.salvationarmy.org

John McFadyen
Regina Mobile Crisis Services
Phone: 306-757-7810
Email: mobilecrisis@accesscomm.ca

2016 Cold Weather Strategy Launched

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