Released on November 5, 2014
As temperatures in the province start to get colder, the Ministry of Social Services and its many community partners want to ensure the public knows what to do to make sure people in need of emergency shelter are not left out in the cold.Community and government partners in Saskatoon and Regina, through the development of their respective cold weather strategies, have co-ordinated measures to support those who need shelter and lack the financial means to pay for their needs. These strategies ensure community services provide the best possible supports through enhanced co-ordination and communication.
Since the fall of 2007, the number of emergency shelter spaces in the province has nearly doubled, which is an increase of 212 new shelter spaces or 97 per cent for adults and has increased from 218 to 430 spaces. These shelter spaces are in addition to other shelter services such as domestic violence shelters, youth shelters and detox centres.
“Assistance is available for people who are in need of emergency shelter,” Social Services Minister Donna Harpauer said. “That is why it is so important that each one of us knows where to call if we witness someone in need.”
In Regina, Mobile Crisis Services provides after-hours and weekend services and referrals and is available at 306-757-0127. Individuals will be connected with the various shelter supports in Regina that are appropriate to 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, 306-242-6833, and Saskatoon LightHouse, 306-653-0538, provide after-hours emergency services and referrals. Individuals will be connected with the various shelter supports in Saskatoon that are appropriate to their needs. During daytime 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 (15th Street Location) are available at 306-922-6162.In other communities across the province, individuals are advised to contact their nearest Ministry of Social Services Service Centre at www.socialservices.gov.sk.ca/service-delivery, an emergency shelter or mobile crisis service (if available in their community), or police. If someone is in immediate danger, please call 911 to ensure a person in need receives help. For a list of shelters and services for people in need across the province, individuals may also refer to www.sk.211.ca website.
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For more information, contact:
Brennen Schmidt
Social Services
Regina
Phone: 306-787-0531
Email: brennen.schmidt@gov.sk.ca
Cell: 306-519-9702