FUNDING INCREASES FOR EMERGENCY SHELTER SERVICES

The Government of Saskatchewan has increased funding for agencies that provide emergency shelter services for families. Through the Ministry of Social Services, per diem rates have increased by 79 per cent to 350 per cent, depending on family size. The primary beneficiaries of this change will be the struggling families that access services at My Aunt's Place in Regina (operated by the YWCA) and Mumford House in Saskatoon (operated by the Salvation Army).

"We recognized that struggling families needed something different than a one-size-fits-all per diem rate," Social Services Minister June Draude said. "With this change, we've taken the steps necessary to ensure individuals and families continue to have somewhere to turn when they find themselves in need of emergency shelter."

Accommodations and meals are paid for on a per diem basis to shelters for people requiring temporary emergency shelter. The per diem for families has been boosted by providing $28 per child, up to a maximum of five children. Under the new formula, a family with one child would receive a per diem of $115, while a family with five children would receive $307 per day.

Prior to the increase, the ministry paid emergency shelter per diems of $47 for single adults, $62.50 for families and childless couples, and $20 a day per person for meals.

"For the women and children who turn to My Aunt's Place, the partnership of the Ministry of Social Services is crucial, providing support as they take first steps toward security and independence," YWCA Regina Executive Director Deanna Elias-Henry said. "This issue is complex. Longer term, many community agencies and governments at every level need to work together to find effective solutions to our current housing challenges. At stake is nothing less than the well-being of our community, including that of future generations."

To be eligible for a per diem, people receiving emergency shelter must meet the eligibility requirements of the Saskatchewan Assistance Program, Transitional Employment Allowance, or Saskatchewan Assured Income for Disability Program.

Since November 2007, increased per diem rates and provincial support for specific shelter initiatives have helped emergency shelter capacity expand by 65 per cent across the province, including 82 per cent in Regina and 110 per cent in Saskatoon respectively.

Overall, the Ministry of Social Services is investing almost $1.5 million in My Aunt's Place and Mumford House in 2012/13, as part of the government's commitment to help vulnerable Saskatchewan residents access emergency shelter services.

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For more information, contact:

Pete Paczko
Social Services
Regina
Phone: 306-787-0531
Email: pete.paczko@gov.sk.ca