Alberta women’s shelters turn away thousands due to lack of space and staff; report

It says shelters in Alberta are under resourced, so not everyone is getting the help they need.

Shelters had to turn away more than 11,000 requests for admission by women and seniors, along with about 6,200 children, because they were full.

Janis Irwin, Alberta NDP Critic for Women and 2SLGBTQ+ Issues, made the following statement in response to the Alberta Council of Women’s Shelters Report:

“It is deeply troubling to see that chronic underfunding of women’s shelters by this government has resulted in thousands of Albertans fleeing domestic violence with no place to go.

“The report released by the Alberta Council of Women’s Shelters indicated that over 11,000 women and seniors, and over 6,000 children, were turned away from shelters due to lack of space between April 1, 2021 and March 30, 2022. In addition, over 7,000 women and seniors, and over 3,000 children, were turned away due to staff shortages or lack of resources. Some shelters that contributed to the report were even cited to be considering closing their unfunded beds, despite being at capacity every night.

“Chronic underfunding is the root cause of these issues, and the UCP refuses to address it head on. This government seems to believe they are not responsible for the Albertans who are out on the streets, or for those who have been turned away from homeless and women’s shelters. This is a growing crisis, and one that has a disproportionate effect on rural and Indigenous women who have fewer support options.

“Enough is enough. The Alberta NDP will not ignore this crisis, and will properly consult with and fund shelters should we form the next government.”

(The Canadian Press)

(With files from rdnewsNOW)

by The Canadian Press

Alberta women’s shelters turn away thousands due to lack of space and staff; report

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