The Government of Saskatchewan announced Wednesday that it is providing $250,000 to support a mental health program in Saskatoon.

The Saskatoon Crisis Intervention Services (SCIS) has an Intensive Community Support Program for adults with mental health and substance use needs.

The Province says the new, annualized funding from the province will allow the organization to maintain ongoing services and staffing.

In a news release Mental Health and Addictions Minister Lori Carr said, “This program is essential to support those at risk of homelessness and potential increased use of emergency medical services.”

The Ministry of Health just extended an overdose alert in Saskatoon due to an uptick in overdoses including three fatalities this month and on Tuesday the City of Saskatoon announced results from its Point in Time Homelessness count which saw a 29 per cent increase compared to last year.

The program provides wraparound supports in the community to 80 adults with mental illness who are hard to house and difficult to engage in programming.

ICS staff work with the Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) to help clients with things like securing long-term housing and financial stability and connecting with community supports. The assistance may extend as far as medication management, managing medical needs, and daily tasks such as grocery shopping, paying bills or cleaning their home.