Children's Services Minister Rebecca Shultz. (Government of Alberta)

By David Opinko

Province outlines COVID-19 supports for vulnerable Albertans

Apr 21, 2020 | 4:31 PM

EDMONTON, AB – The provincial government says it is doing what it can to help those who are homeless, are escaping domestic violence, or are otherwise deemed vulnerable.

On March 16, they announced $60-million to be split between community services and both the homeless population and for a variety of shelters.

Children’s Services Minister Rebecca Shultz says since then, they have received more than 800 applications for Community and Social Services funding. The application period will close at 6:00 pm on Tuesday, April 21 so they can start reviewing them.

For shelters, an additional 14 facilities have opened in Alberta including at Lethbridge’s Fritz Sick Memorial Centre. More details here.

“We are working closely with municipalities, shelter operators, and local AHS officials to identify and begin to use hotels and motels as assisted isolation centres. We now have identified nearly 200 hotel rooms to shelter people who test positive for COVID-19,” says Shultz.

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So far, there have been no positive COVID-19 tests at shelters in Alberta.

$5-million has been allocated to women’s emergency shelters, second-stage shelters, elder abuse shelters, and family violence counselling and outreach programs.

“Funding will be used to help families access hotel rooms for safe isolation, to pay for food, transportation, and other important needs.”

$5-million will be doing to food banks and other organizations that address food access “so that kids do not go hungry.”

Shultz recognizes that, with more people being stuck at home, domestic violence and abuse has already begun to rise.

“This pandemic has intensified many of the factors that lead to child abuse, maltreatment, and neglect. Job uncertainty, loss of income, and social isolation will only aggravate situations where children may already be at risk.”

She is asking the public to be aware of the signs of child abuse, which can include complaints of hunger, lack clean or proper clothing, or may show signs of anxiety of physical abuse or neglect.

The Child Abuse Hotline can be called any time at 1-800-387-5437. More details here.

She adds that she is incredibly proud of service providers and community members that have stepped up to help those in need.