By rdnewsNOW staff

increased help for the vulnerable

Additional shelter space opens in Red Deer

Mar 20, 2020 | 5:23 PM

The Alberta government says it will be working with cities to deliver more help for the homeless during the COVID-19 crisis.

Premier Jason Kenney says the province will be providing extra cash and staff to set up overflow homeless shelters and spots for those who have nowhere to go but need to self-isolate.

In Red Deer, a new temporary space opened Friday at Cannery Row (4946 53 Avenue), with costs being covered by the province.

Emergency municipal zoning will remain in place for a period of six months, in alignment with the City’s state of local emergency.

The building will be used as an overnight and daytime warming centre, according to city officials. The current warming centre will continue to serve as the queuing space for the Overdose Prevention Site (OPS). Detox will remain in the current Safe Harbour space.

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“As we continue to navigate through this situation, we are committed to maintaining essential services for Red Deerians, and ensuring all members of our community are being taken care of,” said City Manager Allan Seabrooke. “We are monitoring the situation daily and will continue to make decisions that best suit the needs of the community, while protecting citizens.”

The province has already promised $60 million for charitable and non-profit groups to support seniors and other vulnerable populations hit hard by the novel coronavirus.

Kenney’s announcement today came just before his government – with the support of the Opposition NDP – passed changes to better co-ordinate provincial and municipal roles as well as rules to deal with the outbreak.

(With file from Josh Hall and The Canadian Press)