Alberta’s social sector is receiving an additional $24 million to address rising operational costs and workforce challenges.
Thousands of Albertans, including many in Red Deer-North, rely on the sector and services provided through disability programs, homeless shelters, and family violence prevention programs.
However, many currently on the Persons with Developmental Disabilities program are having a hard time finding and keeping staff, and the funding is designed to alleviate that.
About 20,600 front-line service workers will be supported through the additional funding, including 19,500 disability support workers, 1,000 homeless shelter workers, and 175 family violence prevention workers.
“Workers in disability services, emergency shelters and family violence prevention programs are providing critical support to thousands of Albertans,” said Minister of Seniors, Community and Social Services Jeremy Nixon.
“Our province cannot go without these individuals’ dedication, which is why we are proud to support them in their hard work for our most vulnerable.”
Currently, the Ministry of Seniors, Community and Social Services funds 179 Persons with Developmental Disabilities service providers, and 69 Family Support for Children with Disabilities service providers.
Another $2 million will be provided to disability service providers to to help with increasing operational costs, including utilities and insurance.
Alberta’s disability and family violence prevention sector has not seen an increase for operational costs since 2014.
If you have any questions, comments, or concerns, contact your Red Deer-North MLA office here.