Back to SearchCity Council has approved a temporary shelter for Prince Albert which will double the availability of beds this winter from 10 to 20. The shelter, located at the grandstand at the Exhibition Centre, was introduced to the Vulnerable Peoples Working Group by the YWCA and the Riverbank Development Corporation. The group, formed in April 2020 to respond to the challenges of Covid-19, is being led by the City of Prince Albert and also includes the Prince Albert Police Service and a number of local and provincial housing and social service organizations.
The minor renovations required will be covered by a $30,000 federal grant provided to the City of Prince Albert. Operating costs will be funded by:
- $320,000 from the Riverbank Development Corporation through the Federal Reaching Home program;
- $31,000 from the Ministry of Social Services; and
- $10,000 from the YWCA.
The YWCA, with funding from the federal Reaching Home program and the ministry of Social Services and Prince Albert and Area Community Foundation, has operated a ten-bed cold weather shelter for the past several years. While the shelter has managed to meet local needs, Covid-19 has presented new challenges. In the new location, the doubled capacity in a larger space will allow for:
- more room for social distancing requirements; and,
- additional beds for expected increases in demand as a result of Covid-19 impacts such as community lockdowns in surrounding communities and a reduced willingness from others to allow for temporary shelter in their homes (couch surfing).
At least 20 beds will be available with room for more in an emergency situation. In a joint correspondence, YWCA Executive Director Donna Brooks and Riverbank Development Corporation Manager Brian Howell state: “We are concerned about the impact of an increase in Covid cases will have if the homeless population is not supported. An unsupported homeless population inevitably leads to greater demands on health care and police services and these will be under extreme stress if there is a second wave.”
“This initiative is the result of collaboration between a dedicated group of organizations committed to supporting Prince Albert’s vulnerable population,” said Mayor Greg Dionne. “Thank-you to these organizations for coming together and working to find a solution to meet the immediate needs of our community.”
Members of the Vulnerable Peoples Working Group includes the City of Prince Albert, Prince Albert Police Service, Saskatchewan Health Authority, Riverbank Development Corporation, Red Cross, Prince Albert Mobile Crisis, Victim Services, Social Services and the YWCA.
This year, the Federal Government granted an additional $1 million to Riverbank Development Corporation through the Reaching Home program to respond to Covid-19 challenges for Prince Albert’s vulnerable population. Riverbank Development Corporation manages the fund on behalf of the program.
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For media inquiries please contact:
Mayor Greg Dionne
(306) 953-4300
Brian Howell
Manager, Riverbank Development Corporation
(306) 763-7457
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