Jim Toye has been meeting with other levels of government and social services groups to find a way to help homeless people during the COVID-19 outbreak. (Alison Sandstrom/paNOW Staff)

By Michael Joel-Hansen

covid and housing

City and community organizations look to help homeless during COVID-19

Mar 30, 2020 | 2:06 PM

The City of Prince Albert and other groups are looking to help the city’s homeless during the current crisis.

Municipal representatives along with officials from the provincial and federal governments have met with local social service groups to talk about what can be done to help protect vulnerable citizens.

“We met on Thursday of last week and at that meeting we decided that everyone would go back to their specific shops and think what one of the best resolves would be,” City Manager Jim Toye said.

Toye said there is another meeting set for this coming Thursday and after that meeting they will have a better idea about what can and will be done. He explained a number of ideas were considered.

“Some organizations do have some beds available. There are other agencies that in certain situations may be able to get some rooms in a local hotel perhaps,” he said.

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The city manager said they made an effort to throw out as many ideas as possible. Toye said they will also look at providing other supports to people as well. It’s been a total team effort, he said.

Donna Brooks, executive director of the Prince Albert YWCA, said since COVID-19 emerged her organization has been forced to make changes to protect against the virus. This has included closing facilities to the public and changing how clients are housed.

“We are no longer doubling up clients,” she said.

Brooks said this has led to reduced capacity. The YWCA does have room set aside where they can isolate someone if needed.

Brooks, who attended the meeting with the city and other partners, said she is worried about the local homeless population.

“The concern is for… our vulnerable population who cannot access services,” she said.

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MichaelJoel.Hansen@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @mjhskcdn