With COVID-19 numbers beginning to spike across the province the Salvation Army has had to limit their shelter capacities, but say they will find ways to avoid turning people away. Major Mike Hoeft says since the beginning of the pandemic they’ve had to deal with restricted capacity and more recently, cold weather. Hoeft explains if they are unable to accommodate people in their facility, they often turn to the Lighthouse or even the YMCA for help.
Hoeft says the Salvation Army is also able to use their relationship with social services to at times accommodate people in hotels or other facilities . He suggests they really want to make sure that people understand that when they walk into a shelter, they won’t just be turned away and sent back into the cold.
Hoeft says they will work with people to find them a place that is warm and safe. Hoeft explains because of pandemic restrictions the Salvation Army has had to reduce their Saskatoon shelter size from 23 to 13. However, he adds they were also able to open up a transitional housing facility to accommodate 10 or 11 people to help balance that out.
Hoeft says the facility has some communal aspects and works for their long term plan into transitional housing. Hoeft explains the Salvation Army has one shelter in Regina and two in Saskatoon, and in order to achieve the two metre distance required between beds they’ve had to reduce the number of beds available . He says they’ve also had to stagger meal times and keep up with extra cleaning, sanitation and public health protocols.
One of their major fundraisers, which will look a bit different this year, is the Christmas Kettle campaign. It doesn’t kick off until next week but virtual kettles are available right here, right now.
In Regina, Mobile Crisis Services provides services and referrals 24 hours a day, seven days a week and can be reached at 306-757-0127. People will be connected with the appropriate shelter supports in Regina that will meet their needs. During weekday business hours, people can drop in to the Ministry of Social Services Regina Service Centre at 2045 Broad Street for assistance.
In Saskatoon, the Salvation Army can be contacted by calling 306-244-6280. They provide emergency services and referrals 24 hours a day, seven days a week. People will be directed to appropriate shelter supports in Saskatoon that will meet their needs. During weekday business hours, people may visit or contact 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 by calling 306-922-6162
