Strathmore Overnight Shelter receives funding

By Sean Feagan, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

The Town of Strathmore is providing the Strathmore Overnight Shelter with bridge funding to cover costs in the event homeless persons require isolation until new provincial funding becomes available.
On March 23, the government of Alberta announced $25 million in funding for homeless-serving agencies to respond to COVID-19, as shelters need more space per person during the pandemic to meet isolation and social distancing guidelines.
The town has since announced it is providing $5,000 of immediate “bridge funding” to the Strathmore Overnight Shelter (SOS) to fund isolation measures while the new funding is implemented. The town will be repaid using the new provincial funding once it becomes available.
The bridge funding provides the shelter with a viable plan to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic, said Elizabeth Karp, SOS executive director.
“It’s working together; it’s very much appreciated and is very necessary,” said Karp.
If required, the shelter will set up isolation for people requiring it at a local motel, that has “very graciously given permission at a great rate for their rooms,” said Karp. “I consider that manager a hero, because a lot of people would be afraid to do that.”
The local health inspector is working with the motel operator to make sure “they know how to handle everything,” said Karp.
The provincial government is working with municipalities and homeless shelters across Alberta, to create more capacity and meet local needs, according to a March 23 press release.
“I am thankful our homeless-serving agencies are there to help protect our most vulnerable populations,” said Premier Jason Kenney in a published statement. “We will continue to support them throughout this challenging time.”
The provincial government is working with municipalities and homeless shelters across Alberta to create more capacity and meet local needs.
“We are working quickly to help municipalities and homeless-serving agencies respond to this pandemic to protect the health and safety of vulnerable Albertans and staff,” said Rajan Sawhney, Minister of Community and Social Services, in the release.
As of March 30, no cases of COVID-19 had been reported at Alberta homeless shelters.