The province wants Albertans in abusive relationships to know that financial help may be available through the Escaping Abuse Benefit, and the Housing Benefit for Survivors of Gender-Based Violence.
“For those facing abuse, know that you are not alone and that help is available 24-7 through Alberta Supports. Our government continues to invest in these critical programs to ensure that survivors of gender-based violence have the resources they need to find safety and stability as they work to rebuild their lives and heal," said Jason Nixon, Minister of Assisted Living and Social Services, in a statement.
To help those experiencing abuse get to safety and rebuild their lives, government provides emergency funding through the Escaping Abuse Benefit.
The benefit provides supports for expenses such as transportation to a safe place and basic needs like food, clothing and shelter, help to cover the costs of telephone calls and transportation to access counselling or legal advice, and help providing emergency access to items not available through shelters, like prescription drugs, extended health coverage, childcare, and dental and eye care services.
This year the province is investing $8.5 million, an increase of $2.3 million, into the Housing Benefit for Survivors of Gender-Based Violence, and is expected to support more than 1,100 Albertans escaping abuse over the next year.
The benefit helps pay for housing expenses, like payments, rent, utilities and mortgage payments. Each survivor can receive up to $7,200 per year through flexible monthly payments.
"These kinds of programs make a huge difference at a really critical time for survivors," said Danica Hoffart, Central Alberta Women's Emergency Shelter executive director.
"Anything to facilitate their escape from situations, and to get them to that next safe place, is really good news."
She said covering some of the costs of necessities can help ensure that they will be successful in that transition and less likely to go back. Support to access legal advice and counselling is especially helpful, as well as help with transportation costs if they come from remote areas. It's important for survivors to know about the supports and how to access them.
Locally, progress has been made on the construction of affordable housing units for Central Alberta Women's Emergency Shelter, where women will be able to live for a year as they financially prepare to take on the full cost of market rents.
"We look forward to having them be completed later this year," Hoffart said.
Catherine Champagne, executive director of the Alberta Council of Women’s Shelters, commended the government's commitment to long-term, survivor-centred solutions that recognize the complexity of gender-based violence and the importance of coordinated community response.
“Survivors of gender-based violence deserve more than safety – they deserve dignity, support and the opportunity to thrive. These investments are a critical step forward, offering real, tangible help to those rebuilding their lives after abuse," Champagne said, in a statement.
For more information about the benefits and how to apply, visit alberta.ca/alberta-supports, email css.ascc@gov.ab.ca, call 1-877-644-9992 toll free, or visit an Alberta Supports Office for in-person services.
For after-hours support, the Emergency Income Support Contact Centre is available 24 hours a day at 1-866-644-5135.
