Kath Hoffman, Executive Director at Safe Harbour Society. (rdnewsNOW file photo)

By Josh Hall (Twitter: @Vancan19)

waiting for the budget

Fingers crossed for continued provincial funding for Red Deer’s warming centre

Sep 4, 2019 | 7:00 AM

Red Deer’s warming centre, which recently operated for the first time through the summer months, may soon have to shut its doors.

As of September 30, provincial funding, which Safe Harbour Society uses to operate the facility, will cease.

Executive Director Kath Hoffman says they’ve yet to hear and explanation, but she suspects it has to do with the wait for the provincial budget expected in October.

“They’re under this election freeze and probably have limited flexibility to move. But this is a basic human need service in our community. I don’t think there should be a hiccup in the service ever, whether the parties change or not,” she says.

“Certainly Mayor Veer and council are advocating for a shelter all the time. We’re happy to have that happen and we’re crossing our fingers.”

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Safe Harbour also receives money for security at the warming centre, as well as a day-time support position in their main building where they have an area that people can sleep. Their funding also has yet to be renewed.

“We’re going to find them all over the place just like we did in the olden days when it wasn’t there,” Hoffman says bluntly when asked what will happen to the centre’s regular clients.

“We’re still seeing over 100 people going through that site every day, which surprises me because I thought those numbers would go down in the summer, but they haven’t. The need is there, so if we don’t get the funding, we’re not operating, and that’ll be a sad day.

“People who are high or intoxicated, we’re it. It could also be the jail or the hospital, but really, we’re it.”

In March 2019, Red Deer city council approved zoning for the warming centre to remain open through March 2020. Later that month, the then NDP government announced $7 million for a 120-bed, 24/7 emergency homeless shelter in Red Deer.

“Safe Harbour Society plays a vital role in supporting individuals experiencing homelessness in Red Deer. We appreciate their commitment to helping vulnerable Albertans – a commitment our government shares,” Rajan Sawhney, Minister of Community and Social Services, says in a statement to rdnewsNOW.

“Budget 2019 will be released this fall and will include information about funding for programs, services and capital projects.”

Sawhney says the provincial government will continue to collaborate with its partners to support and invest in the programs and services vulnerable Albertans rely on, while at the same time getting the province’s finances back on track in order to sustain them going forward.

“We remain committed to supporting the stability, participation and inclusion of all Albertans in our society and in their communities,” he added.