MEDIA RELEASE October 27, 2008
For Immediate Release
YWCA year end sees record numbers of homeless women turning to the Shelter for help.
YWCA Saskatoon recently held its AGM marking its 97th year serving the city of Saskatoon. The most significant number unveiled at the meeting was the over 50% increase in women and their families the YWCA was not able to accommodate in their Crisis Shelter due to a shortage of space.
The YWCA Saskatoon Crisis Shelter has 22 rooms, 38 beds and provides safe, 24/7 emergency sheltering to women, children and youth at risk. In the 2007-2008 fiscal year, the Shelter supported 499 women, 13 at-risk youth and 403 children. Unfortunately, the significant increase in those seeking help resulted in the Shelter turning away 1468 women and their families, helping them find alternate shelter opportunities.
“Homelessness has been growing in this city in recent years. And it has been further impacted by Saskatoon’s economic boom that saw last year’s rental increases reaching 13.7% over the previous year,” says Barb Macpherson, Executive Director of YWCA Saskatoon. A lack of affordable rental housing has resulted in a large ‘new homeless’ population as evidenced by YWCA Saskatoon’s shelter numbers. “The city is in urgent need of more social housing to provide emergency, transitional and long-term housing to its homeless population,” adds Kim Newransky, YWCA Saskatoon Housing Team Leader.
In addition to the Shelter, YWCA Saskatoon facilities also include a transitional residence, an Employment and Learning Centre, a Child Development Centre and a fitness facility, Fitness on 25th, offering a variety of services and programs that positively impact the lives of women, their families and the community. “We provide vital services that strengthen the social fabric of Saskatoon and we are committed to continue these services, with ongoing support from our partners, funders, donors and volunteers” comments Barb Macpherson.
For a copy of YWCA Saskatoon’s Annual Report 2007-2008, please contact:
Genine Neufeld
Director of Development and Communications, YWCA Saskatoon Ph: 244-7034 ext. 132 E: geneufeld@ywcasaskatoon.com
To request further comment or schedule an interview, contact:
Barb Macpherson
Executive Director, YWCA Saskatoon Ph: 244-7034 ext. 120 Genine Neufeld
Director of Development and Communications, YWCA Saskatoon Ph: 244-7034 ext. 132 E: geneufeld@ywcasaskatoon.com
YWCA Saskatoon 510 25th Street East, Saskatoon, SK S7k 4A7 306 244 0944 www.ywcasaskatoon.com
Crisis Shelter & Residence • Employment & Learning Centre • Child Development Centre Fitness on 25th
