Women in Crisis Rely on The Salvation Army

In Saskatoon, Sask., emergency housing is a common request. In November 2010, when city shelters were full and overcrowded, The Salvation Army opened Mumford House.

Mumford House, a 40-bed emergency shelter, is a renovated 4-plex that serves women, children, and youth, desperate for refuge during periods of extreme personal crisis and upheaval. The idea is to give those in need a safe place to stay in their transition period. The shelter has security features to keep families and staff safe.

“Clients arrive frazzled, tired, hungry, and often appear with signs of physical abuse,’ says Lori Driedger, Program Director for Mumford House. “They may have been recently evicted and living on the streets, unemployed, victims of domestic violence, have mental health or substance abuse issues, or be sex-trade workers.”

At Mumford House clients have the option to stay for up to 30 days. Blankets, toiletries and toys are provided. And, basics such as a change of clothing and pyjamas are given if needed. “We also help the women hook up with the right services to make sure they can continue on as quickly and with as little trauma as possible, given what’s happened in their lives,” says Lori.

Since its opening Mumford House has provided 1,800 adult nights, more than 1,800 child nights, 23 youth nights and has served more than 7,000 meals.

“We serve a generation that is starved for dignity/respect,” says Lori. “The Salvation Army believes that human dignity is a fundamental right for all and makes every effort to restore a sense of dignity to its clients.”