The NDP opposition is calling for more funding to women’s shelters in light of the situation at the Peace Regional Women’s Shelter.
The shelter had to temporarily close because of a black mould issue, and Status of Women Critic Julia Hayter says shelters have been asking for more funding from the province.
“After talking with the Alberta Council of Women’s Shelters, they’ve even said that they’ve requested $10 million a year for funding and that’s just for the basics. The UCP has already said they’ll only do $10 million over four years. That’s 25% of what’s needed and I think that what we’re seeing with Peace River is just the beginning of the iceberg.”
Peace Regional Women’s Shelter has been able to get some funding from local municipalities, including $2500 from the Town of Grimshaw and $20,000 from the MD of Peace.
Hayter says aging shelters are a growing problem.
“None of our shelters are being funded properly, so let alone making sure that we’ve got good councilors and food and basic needs being met, we’re also now having to look at infrastructure and what’s happening in the buildings.”
The Alberta Council of Women’s Shelters recently reported the highest number of calls for help in a decade and instances where lack of space has meant turning people away has gone up 32 per cent.
Ashli Barrett, Press Secretary from the Office of the Minister of Children and Family Services, has provided this statement in response.
“Alberta’s government provides $54.1 million in annual funding to women’s shelters and has committed to an additional $10 million over four years to support women’s shelters. Options are currently being developed and we are working with stakeholders in consideration of how best to invest this funding.
No one will be turned away without being offered help and anyone seeking shelter during the temporary closure has and will continue to receive supports. According to information provided by the agency, intakes are low, and they are developing alternative housing options for new intakes. Shelter staff continue to offer outreach services and connect families in need with supports, including counselling, safety/risk assessments and planning, system navigation, parenting supports, education and awareness programming and culturally responsive supports and activities.”
You can listen to the full interview below.
– Kyle Moore, Trending 55 Newsroom
