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Manager Tina Johnson is seeking individuals to work at the Extended Hours Program. (Derek Cornet/larongeNOW Staff)
homelessness

Overnight shelter returning to downtown La Ronge

Sep 22, 2022 | 5:00 PM

A return to normal is coming for La Ronge’s Extended Hours Program following a bumpy two years.

For the first time since 2019, the town’s overnight shelter will operate from Scattered Site located along La Ronge Avenue. In 2020, it was mostly run out of Drifters Motel and, in 2021, it moved to a location on-reserve near Kitaski Hall.

With necessary building codes for overnight accommodations now completed at Scattered Site, the Kikinahk Friendship Centre board was given the go ahead to continue the shelter there.

“We are off to a really good start,” said manager Tina Johnson. “Our building is up to code and we had some renovations done, so we’re going to be able to house the program here at Scattered Sites this year and not have to split the program between two or three different buildings.”

Kikinahk was able to strike a two-year deal with the federal government back in April to keep the shelter operational until at least 2024. They were also able to secure federal funding of approximately $70,000 to renovate the Scattered Site building.

The Extended Hours Program will start Oct. 1 and conclude April 30, which is much longer than previous years that typically began Nov. 15 and ended March 31. Johnson explained the addition of more than two months will be much appreciated by clients.

“Having an earlier start date is great because now we don’t have to worry about our folks being out in the snow and cold,” she said. “They will have a place to stay as the nights get colder.”

Johnson is hoping to hire 22 employees with six full-time, six part-time and 10 casuals. She has already hired all the full-time staff needed, but she encourages the public to apply for the remaining positions.

Johnson mentioned the facility has a capacity for 22 people and the space will likely be able to accommodate 14 beds.

La Ronge businessman Sonny Montilla, who is the landlord of the Scattered Site and Extended Hours building, stated he and his family are proud to be part of the recent work. He also wanted to acknowledge Kikinahk executive director Ron Woytowich and the board for their leadership with the overnight shelter.

“After three years of tireless work, I am grateful to say the plan I envisioned to help the tri-community’s homeless residents will become a reality in the next few weeks with Scattered Site being back in full operation to support the population,” Montilla said. “Along with Kikinahk’s efforts, I am confident the community’s vulnerable will be in great hands, and their needs will be met in the newly renovated building that passed all required codes.”

derek.cornet@pattisonmedia.com

Twitter: @saskjourno

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