At-risk Albertans are getting the help that they need from the province during the COVID-19 crisis.

The Government of Alberta has announced supports for people with disabilities, those who use income support programs, the homeless, women’s shelters, and service groups like food banks.

Rajan Sawhney, Minister of Community and Social Services, says, “Our government is committed to slowing the spread of COVID-19 and protecting vulnerable Albertans. Those who rely on social services need our support more than ever before and we will continue working closely with community partners to address the needs of all who are at risk and help them get through this challenging time.”

Support for people with disabilities can be found through programs like Family Support for Children with Disabilities (FSCD), Persons with Developmental Disabilities (PDD), and Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped (AISH).

According to the province, they are working with disability service provider partners to provide personal protective equipment, help maintain staffing, and develop policies to allow for easier access to supports and help ensure the well-being of individuals and families.

A reference guide on COVID-19 for people with disabilities has also been developed to provide information on how to stay safe and limit the spread of the virus.

Alberta Supports contact centres remain open, with services accessible by phone or online. Monthly benefits continue to be provided to Albertans accessing AISH and Income Support during the pandemic. The government will be exempting a portion of the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) as income for AISH and Income Support recipients.

Margot Brunner-Campbell, executive director, Voice of Albertans with Disabilities says, “These are difficult times for all Albertans, including people with disabilities who have lost employment. I’m pleased the government took action to exempt a portion of CERB for Albertans receiving AISH to replace some of the income they’ve lost. This will help them deal with the challenges they’re facing.”

Homeless shelters and community organizations have received financial support to open 14 new shelter facilities to meet physical distancing requirements, and are now focusing their efforts on re-housing to take people out of the shelter system. More than 400 people have been housed since the beginning of this crisis.

Women’s emergency shelters are helping to protect women and children experiencing domestic violence by providing safe isolation in hotels, adjusting programming to meet physical distancing requirements, and hiring additional staff so they can respond to increased crisis calls while continuing to provide supports to women and children.

The province also invested $5 million into funding for food banks.

As of April 21, 850 applications for emergency funding for social services support have been received from charities, not-for-profits, and civil society organizations across the province.

Forty-nine applications for food bank funding have been received.