No money for Hat shelters but space is adequate for right now
By GILLIAN SLADE on March 27, 2020.
gslade@medicinehatnews.com@MHNGillianSlade Medicine Hat Community Housing Society says no additional government funding was provided to Medicine Hat for the homeless and plenty of meals are being provided every day. “Our current shelter capacity is adequate and the homeless serving systems’ response and provision of isolation spaces is proving to have positive results and not over-populating the shelter,” said Jaime Rogers, manager homeless and housing development. Rogers says none of the local overnight shelters are at capacity, even after implementing government social distancing requirements. There is also a wide range of meal options for those experiencing homelessness, says Rogers. Breakfast is provided by The Mustard Seed, at what was formerly known as The Champion’s Centre on N. Railway Street, between 8 and 11 a.m. Monday through Saturday. Lunch is provided by the Salvation Army, 476 Fourth St. SE, every day of the week including Saturdays and Sundays from 8 a.m. to noon and at The Mustard Seed, at 503a Allowance Avenue, on Thursdays from 10 a.m. to noon. and on Sundays from 2-4 p.m. Dinner is provided from 5-6 p.m. every day of the week including Saturdays and Sundays by the Salvation Army, 476 Fourth Street SE. Rogers is pleading with people that do not need to access food services to stay home. If individuals are attached to any homeless serving program, they can access food directly though that program. The provincial government recently made $25 million available for supports for agencies helping the homeless. In a press release it stated that “Fort McMurray and Medicine Hat have adequate shelter capacity to implement social distancing recommendations and no additional facilities have been activated. Government will continue to monitor the situation in those communities.” Rogers agrees with the statement. “We will require additional resources and funding investment as the (COVID-19) pandemic progresses and we will adjust our services and care for those experiencing homelessness and vulnerable to ensure they are safe and supported,” said Rogers. MHCHS recently made additional provision for a daytime shelter for those who are experiencing homelessness. Rogers says Alberta Health Services is on-site and is available to respond to any health related needs. 14-13
