With the province expecting its first blast of winter this weekend, the Government of Saskatchewan is again launching its Cold Weather Strategy.

The Strategy focuses on making sure everyone has access to safe shelter during cold weather, which may include emergency shelters or hotels.

Jan Thorson with Mobile Crisis Services Regina says their goal is to get everyone out of the cold.

“We don’t want anyone out in the cold,” said Thorson. “The climate is just not conducive to being homeless in the park in the wintertime here, so we want to make sure that everybody gets a bed.”

Thorson says the COVID-19 pandemic has made planning this year more difficult, but they are committed to accomplishing their goal.

“Certainly, there are not quite as many resources as we would like at the moment, but that doesn’t mean that we won’t make every effort to find what is available,” said Thorson.

Thorson says the program has been rather successful in years past, adding she is hoping to continue that success.

“In years past, there have been a few people that we have not been able to house, but that’s been their choice, not ours,” said Thorson. “I think we’ve done very well and anyone who’s wanted some kind of accommodation has found it.”

Mobile Crisis Services provides services and referrals 24 hours a day, seven days a week and can be reached at 306-757-0127. People will be connected with the appropriate shelter supports in Regina that will meet their needs. During weekday business hours, people can drop into the Ministry of Social Services’ Regina Service Centre at 2045 Broad Street for assistance.