The funding will expand hours to 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (Photo 40995064 © Katarzyna Bialasiewicz | Dreamstime.com)

By Derek Cornet

community support

Air Ronge, La Ronge vote to fund day program at overnight homeless shelter

Dec 18, 2024 | 2:48 PM

Air Ronge and La Ronge councils have agreed to provide funds for a day program at the Kitsaki Emergency Overnight Shelter.

The request was discussed by both councils on Tuesday. In specific, the municipalities were asked to come together to pay staffing wages for two full-time positions during the weekdays and three part-time positions during the weekends.

That includes one full-time helper and security personnel, two part-time helpers and one part-time security officer until the end of April 2025. The total monetary request was $48,640.

“The current homelessness crisis we are experiencing in our tri-communities is an issue that affects us all,” read a letter submitted by program coordinator Tina Johnson.

“By working together, we can combine our resources, knowledge, and strengths to create effective solutions that address the needs of those who are vulnerable. Cooperation among all communities is essential. Only through united efforts can we hope to make a meaningful impact on this pressing issue.”

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The request received wide support by both councils with La Ronge agreeing to pay two-thirds ($32,100) of the request, and Air Ronge agreeing to pay $16,000. Terry Hunt was the only councillor from La Ronge who voted not to contribute funding.

In October, the Lac La Ronge Indian Band stepped up to provide an overnight shelter following the closure of the Scattered Site Outreach Program in June. The overnight shelter is located at Morin’s Hill and offers up to 30 spots on a first come, first serve basis. It is open from 8 p.m. to 8 a.m. and the band also provides breakfast and a light lunch.

From Oct. 30 to Dec. 12, the band has spent nearly $50,000 operating the shelter with $32,000 for staffing, $10,600 for overhead and additional costs, and $6,850 for nutritional expenses. With the additional funding from Air Ronge and La Ronge, the shelter will be able to expand its hours to 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

“The purpose of this proposal is to ensure that individuals in our community have a safe and warm place to stay during all hours of the day, helping to keep them out of the cold,” the document submitted to municipalities notes.

“Additionally, it aims to provide essential support for community members in need [and] to provide access to various services that can aid them during difficult times.”

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derek.cornet@pattisonmedia.com