When Drifters Motel reached capacity last winter, a second location opened after temperatures plunged. (Facebook/Cook-Searson Tammy Jim)

By Derek Cornet

solution needed

No funding for homeless shelter in La Ronge this winter

Jul 23, 2021 | 5:00 PM

Kikinahk Friendship Centre has announced it can no longer continue operating the Extended Hours Program in La Ronge.

The board of the organization sent a letter to town council notifying them of the change, citing a lack of funding and infrastructure dollars. It notes the board is aware of the need in the community and acknowledge the importance of the shelter during the winter months, adding they are offering to provide guidance and assistance if needed.

The Extended Hours Program typically operated Nov. 15 to March 31 annually.

“If the town and the village and the band are filling to work together, maybe they can find sources of funding that we couldn’t,” Ron Woytowich, Kikinahk Executive Director, said. “If they can fund and operate a permanent one, that would be okay. As a Friendship Centre, we are willing to provide all the help we can, but we just can’t put anymore money into it.”

Due to COVID and a sudden increase in clientele, Woytowich estimates the Extended Hours Program cost $800,000 to operate last winter. He explained there were also issues hiring staff, providing enough food and transporting clients back and forth between the Scattered Sites Outreach Program and the shelters.

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A deal was reached with Drifters Motel in October 2020. (Derek Cornet/larongeNOW Staff)

Kikinahk Friendship Centre purchased 15-passenger vans to safely transport clients and food during the pandemic. (Derek Cornet/larongeNOW Staff)

Last winter, the Extended Hours Program rented Drifters Motel, as well as a space on-reserve from the Lac La Ronge Indian Band. For years it operated out of Scattered Sites downtown, but they were unable to secure insurance for the building for such a purpose and local opposition prevent them from purchasing a suitable building along La Ronge Ave.

Letters of opposition were received by ownership at Electric Waves Ltd., Robertson Trading Ltd., Rona and Waterbase Inn. Former La Ronge Coun. Dallas Everest and former La Ronge and District Chamber of Commerce president Crystal Everest, also submitted opposition letters.

“It is too much work, and it costs us money and we don’t have that kind of support,” Woytowich said.

In a letter from Minister of Social Services Lori Carr to La Ronge Mayor Colin Ratushniak, it was stated the Government of Sasakatchewan is unable to provide funding for the establishment of a permanent location for day programming or a shelter. It notes the Saskatchewan Housing Corporation has no program or funding stream to provide capital funding to develop and build emergency shelters.

“We do want to ensure that anyone who doesn’t have sufficient resources to pay for their basic needs or are in need of shelter are able to access support through the appropriate provincial or federal programs,” the letter states. “Individuals in an emergency situation who do not have enough money to meet their basic needs can call the Social Services Client Service Centre or their local income assistance office.”

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derek.cornet@pattisonmedia.com

Twitter: @saskjourno