15 new emergency shelter spaces opening in Moose Jaw

By Tracey Moody

Fifteen new co-ed emergency shelter spaces will be provided in Moose Jaw from now until March 31.

The spaces are at Willow Lodge at 83 Ominica St. W, and are being operated by the John Howard Society of Saskatchewan with support from Square One Community Inc.

Spaces will be provided daily from 8 p.m. until 8 a.m.

Social Services Minister Gene Makowsky said the spaces are being provided as part of the Government of Saskatchewan’s Provincial Approach to Homelessness announced in October.

“We want to increase the amount of shelter spaces throughout the province, and have worked with different communities to set up – in addition to what we’ve added in the last several years – new spaces, right throughout the province,” Makowsky said.

While the spaces are in place until the end of March, Makowsky said availability could be extended.

“If things go well, we could continue to work with this provider and that location,” he said. “If there’s some challenges, we want to continue to assess the situation.”

Funding provided for the 15 spaces in Moose Jaw amounts to $124,400.