Several emergency shelters in the province will receive new COVID-19 funding from the provincial government to help alleviate current pressures in providing support services for their clients.
The Government of Saskatchewan has pledged an additional $171,000 in funding for shelters that serve clients referred through income assistance programs. The Ministry of Social Service is providing approximately $4 million in annual funding, before this new addition.
This includes Riverside Mission in Moose Jaw and it's partner organization Souls Harbour Rescue Mission in Regina, as well as the YWCA Regina, The Lighthouse Supported Living in Saskatoon and North Battleford, YWCA Cold Weather Shelter in Prince Albert, Salvation Army in Regina and Saskatoon and the Lloydminster Men’s Shelter.
The funding will be in addition to pandemic response supports announced back in April, which offered an increase of $171,000 at that time as well.
The increased financial support is to help shelters meet the extra cost pressures brought on by the pandemic, to improve client and staff safety.
“A number of sectors have needed a helping hand during the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Social Services Minister Lori Carr, in a press release. “We continue to support Saskatchewan’s emergency shelters that have done incredible work to adjust and respond to COVID-19.”
