The province has increased funding for agencies that provide emergency shelter services for families.

The primary beneficiaries of this change will be the struggling families that access services at an organization in Regina operated by the YWCA and at Mumford House in Saskatoon, which is operated by the Salvation Army.

Accommodations and meals are paid for on a per diem basis to shelters for people requiring temporary emergency shelter.

The per diem for families has been boosted by providing $28 per child, up to a maximum of five children, so under the new formula, a family with one child would receive a per diem of $115, while a family with five children would receive $307 per day.

To be eligible for a per diem, people receiving emergency shelter must meet the eligibility requirements of the Saskatchewan Assistance Program, Transitional Employment Allowance, or Saskatchewan Assured Income for Disability Program.