YWCA Regina says it remains fully operational 24/7 during the COVID-19 pandemic.

That includes the Isabel Johnson Domestic Violence Shelter, My Aunt’s Place Shelter for Women and Families and Kikinaw Residence.

All four children’s shelters are also fully operational and actively serving vulnerable children.

YWCA Regina Outreach services also continue to provide support to those who need assistance securing stable income, navigating supports, housing and acquiring basic necessities.

Melissa Coomber-Bendtsen, CEO of YWCA Regina, explained that it’s important for their shelters and outreach teams to stay operational as they work around the emergency order to protect women and children in need.

As an additional measure, the YWCA has even acquired extra apartments within the city to help limit the spread of the virus to allow people to social distance.

“We leased and rented some apartments from some really wonderful landlords in our city who help support us so we can make sure we have enough space between women,” said Coomber-Bendtsen.

“I think what was really important for us to understand was we didn’t want to limit the number of beds and supports that were available to people because we know how critical those are.”

To further protect residents, the YWCA has temporarily closed their main building at 1940 McIntyre Street to non-essential services. The organization also made the difficult decision of not accepting donations of clothing and household items or hosting community partners in rental spaces.

However Coomber-Bendtsen said there are other ways people can contribute.

We are accepting donations of masks through the Mask-UR-Aid program, as well as supplies that people might have. But they have to connect with us through our website because we needed to limit the amount of people that were coming in to our building with donations.”

She added that their Say Yes fundraising campaign is still going and the public can donate money to the campaign online

In a news release YWCA Regina says those in need can still call the 24-hour number at 306-525-2141, or visit in person at 1940 McIntyre Street by ringing the buzzer at the front door.

The mobile crisis helpline is 306-757-0127.

(With files from Moises Canales)