By Government of Saskatchewan

Government Of Saskatchewan Announces 45 Enhanced Emergency Shelter Spaces In Prince Albert

Nov 1, 2023 | 10:35 AM

The Government of Saskatchewan is providing $830,000 to support YWCA Prince Albert to add 45 new permanent enhanced emergency shelter spaces.

“The Ministry of Social Services supports vulnerable people in need of shelter by connecting them with community organizations that offer emergency shelter spaces,” Social Services Minister Gene Makowsky said. “Along with community partners, we are working to improve outcomes for people experiencing homelessness and better support individuals who need more than a home to remain connected to housing.”

Enhanced emergency shelters provide clients with full access to shelter (24 hours per day, seven days per week).

Clients are also provided three meals per day, case planning and access to wrap-around supports to address wellness and cultural needs, with assistance in connecting to services such as financial supports and help to transition to appropriate housing along the housing continuum.

YWCA Prince Albert provides shelter, supportive housing, and assistance to marginalized populations to help break the cycle of poverty. The Stepping Stones Emergency Shelter is again set to open at the Exhibition Grounds while work continues securing a permanent shelter location. The shelter expects to open November 1, 2023.

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“This commitment from the provincial government opens a new chapter in how we can better serve our homeless population,” YWCA Prince Albert CEO Donna Brooks said. “It has been realized through many hours, days and months of collaboration with our community partners and leaders and speaks to the compassion the people of Prince Albert have for those who may need a hand up. The new funding will allow us to substantially increase the number of our most marginalized citizens we can keep safe and connect with services this winter. Meanwhile, our quest to find a permanent location for Stepping Stones is on-going, with a goal of having an appropriate site identified before the new year.”

The funding is part of the recently announced Provincial Approach to Homelessness. The $40.2 million investment in new funding over the next two years will create 155 new supportive housing spaces, 120 new permanent emergency shelter spaces, and enhance community safety and outreach responses that include 30 new complex needs emergency shelter spaces.

New permanent emergency shelter spaces in communities based on their need will mean approximately 500 permanent emergency shelter spaces are available this winter across the province.