Sask. government spending $900K+ to help female offenders

(Laura Woodward/CTV News)

The Government of Saskatchewan is spending $918,000 over the next two years to help female offenders transitioning out of custody.

Michael Weger, Saskatchewan’s Community Safety Minister, announced the money will be allocated to the Elizabeth Fry Society, and go towards housing, employment assistance and mental health supports.

“Corrections is more than just putting people in jail,” Weger said.

“The reintegration supports are really what helps to ensure that when someone gets released from custody, they have a pathway forward in our community — rather than a pathway back to custody.”

Part of the money will support the Wikowin Supportive Housing project in Saskatoon, a 10-bed transitional housing program.

“A woman can have ID, treatment, referrals, health care appointments and community supports lined up, but if she has nowhere safe to sleep at night, the entire plan is at risk,” said Nicole Obrigavitch, the executive director of the Elizabeth Fry Society.

Obrigavitch said the non-profit has provided nearly 300 nights of safe housing in the past month.

“With this is stability, giving women options and the awareness that there is an alternative lifestyle to living on the street or addictions,” Obrigavitch added.