Some Other Solutions is seeing a big spike in demand for their services from the pandemic and flood.
Over the past couple of months, they’ve noticed a rise in the number of calls to their organization.
Specifically, their crisis line and counselling service have actually seen their numbers double.
Jason King, Executive Director of SOS, tells Mix News all these different crises are really starting to take their toll on people across the community.
“People are just exhausted. There’s just a ripple from the pandemic and the flood – there’s financial concerns that are coming up, there’s relational concerns coming up.”
SOS has also had to learn to provide more with less.
The organization, like many in the community, have had trouble receiving funds from donors and grants.
“I know we have been denied a few applications so far and even prior to COVID-19 we’ve lost a couple of contracts with the government because of their restructuring,” added King.
This has forced them to cut back on some of their programs, such as their mentoring service, and to lay off a couple of staff members.
However, SOS is currently in talks with the office of Jason Luan, Associate Minister of Mental Health and Addictions, for a potential grant worth around $150,000.
Until then, King notes staff are working extra hard to ensure everyone who needs help receives it.
“We have again, like I said, double the amount of calls coming in and counselling sessions but they’re handling it well and with the team we’re able to leverage each others strengths.”
Meanwhile, Mayor Don Scott has written a letter to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Premier Jason Kenney for more mental health funding.
Speaking on Fort McMurray Matters, he says organizations like SOS are struggling and need support.
“We need to make sure those agencies people reach out to have the funding so they can provide the help they need and it’s something I really believe in, I’m very concerned about that.”
Those in need of assistance can contact SOS through their website or by calling the crisis hotline at 780-743-4357 (HELP).
LISTEN: On this edition of Fort McMurray Matters, we chat with @SOS_YMM about the need for funding and calls to their organization doubling due to the pandemic and flood #ymm #rmwb https://t.co/Gyg0rkbeV4
— MIX 103.7 News (@Mix1037FMNews) May 29, 2020
