Scott Moe speaks Thursday afternoon in Prince Albert. (Nolan Kowal/paNOW Staff)

By Nolan Kowal

Housing funding

Additional funding on the way for secondary housing in Prince Albert

Oct 19, 2023 | 5:41 PM

More financial support is coming for victims of violence and abuse in Saskatchewan.

The province announced Thursday that it is investing an additional $108,000 in operational funding over the next three years to support second-stage housing. In total, $72,000 is coming to Prince Albert through the Prince Albert Safe Shelter for Women, while the rest of the money will be allocated to Regina.

Earlier this year, $876,000 was given to five second-stage shelters across the province as part of a three-year funding agreement. It included the North East Outreach Support Services in Melfort and Sapohtewan House in La Ronge.

The addition of the funding for the Prince Albert Safe Shelter for Women and YWCA Regina brings the government’s total three-year investment into second-stage housing to $984,000.

“This is new ground this year,” said Premier Scott Moe. “We’ve always as a government been involved in capital investment in spaces like the P.A. Safe Shelter for Women, but to be involved at the operational level is new this year.”

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Moe added that interpersonal violence and abuse is a widespread social issue that affects a variety of people.

“There’s a growing need for support for families…whether that be support from the community, support from the province, or support at the federal level,” he said. “That’s not exclusive to Prince Albert or even Saskatchewan for that matter…it’s something we’re challenged with across Canada and even across North America.”

Prince Albert Carlton MLA Joe Hargrave also touched on the desired outcome for these shelters.

“This funding will provide safe, affordable housing to survivors for up to 24 months, helping them rebuild their lives again and gain confidence in themselves and adjust to living free from their abusers,” Hargrave said, adding that counselling and educational opportunities will also be offered.

“No one should have to live a life in fear of violence and abuse. By working together with second-stage housing facilities, we can help more women and their children escape these dangerous situations so they can go on and live a safe and full life,” he said.

Overall, $4,000 will go to each of the six units at the Prince Albert Safe Shelter for Women on an annual basis over the next three years.

The province said it has committed $27.5 million to address interpersonal violence and abuse in 2023-2024.