Edmonton city council is dedicating $880,000 to women’s shelters across Edmonton. It comes after council voted not to increase the police budget by $11 million.
Instead. councillors decided to use that money for social initiatives and funding for women’s shelters came from that pot.
“I think it’s appropriate because of the increase of police calls,” Jo-Anne Wright, Ward Sspomitapi councillor said. “Hopefully this will help reduce some of those calls. Not only initial calls, but I understand police are being called back to the same situation again and again.”
“If we can help raise women and children out of these situations, then they become more productive within society.”
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The one-time investment will be used for mental health supports, cultural support, nursing resources and for people who have precarious immigration status. Alberta Council of Women’s Shelters’ Jan Reimer said shelters rely on provincial funding and donations. Money from the city is unprecedented, and will go a long way.
“From a shelter perspective, it allows shelter staff to do their important work, instead of spending extra long hours trying to raise dollars,” Reimer said.
“I’m very grateful and appreciative that they really taken an important step in recognizing the needs of abused women and children in this city. Often their needs are invisible to decision makers,” she added.
While this is the first time Edmonton shelters have seen this funding, Reimer hopes it won’t be the last.
“We will be able to demonstrate the efficacy of the supports being provided, and when you have good outcomes that shows support for all levels of government, so I think it’s important to show the difference this funding can make.”
City council also voted to write a letter to the province highlighting the need for additional financial resources to address the shelter needs of women fleeing domestic violence.