Saskatchewan Communities Work to Keep All People Safe this Winter

Released on November 3, 2017

Saskatchewan winters can be dangerous for people who don’t have shelter or a home.

The Government of Saskatchewan, along with its community partners, encourages all Saskatchewan people to contact the Ministry of Social Services, community agencies or 911 if they, or someone else in need, is without shelter this winter.

“Our government and community partners are working together to make sure all Saskatchewan people are safe this winter,” Social Services Minister Paul Merriman said.  “Any person who finds themselves without a warm place to stay can contact the Ministry of Social Services, our community partners or 911 for help.  We will make sure that everyone has a warm place to stay.”

“It is important that all people know about the supports available to them during the winter months,” Regina Mobile Crisis Executive Director John McFadyen said.  “Our services are available 24 hours per day, and we encourage anyone in need to get in touch with us so we can help.”

“We all have a role to play in keeping each other safe this winter,” Salvation Army Major Mike Hoeft said.  “If you see someone in need of shelter, please contact your local community supports or 911 to get them the help they need.”

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 at the 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 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 15.

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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
Saskatoon
Phone: 306-757-1552
Email: Mike_Hoeft@can.salvationarmy.org

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