(file photo/battlefordsNOW staff)

By Angela Brown

Respite for those in need

Help still available for Battlefords’ homeless and vulnerable during pandemic

Sep 4, 2020 | 12:53 PM

Many organizations serving the vulnerable and homeless populations in the Battlefords had to make some adjustments during the pandemic.

A representative from the Lighthouse Serving the Battlefords said the facility incorporated some changes to meet the province’s COVID-19 regulations, but is still there to help the homeless.

Shelter co-ordinator Judy Stern said the facility is not able to offer its usual communal-style lunch program for drop ins, due to capacity and social-distancing restrictions. But it ensures people do not go without.

“We still try to accommodate the best we can,” she said. “We don’t want anybody going hungry. We don’t want anybody cold. If you need our services, we are going to help.”

Stern said on average about 14 to 25 homeless people stay in the facility each night.

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“We always make sure people are fed, have water and coffee,” whatever their needs may be, she said.

The Battlefords Indian and Métis Friendship Centre is offering a free bagged-lunch for the homeless and those in need during the pandemic.

The take-away meal is available at the entrance, Mondays to Fridays from 12 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.

It is partnering with the Battlefords Family Health Centre on the project.

Kent Lindgren, a health coordinator with Battlefords Family Health Centre, said the lunch program is ongoing at this time.

“That is just to support people – their access to food, and a secure stable, ongoing supply of a meal per day during COVID,” he said. “We are going to try and keep it going as long as there is a need in our community.”

Battlefords Family Health Centre accessed funding through Indigenous Services Canada to help support the initiative.

North Battleford Mayor Ryan Bater said city mayors have been meeting since the start of the pandemic, and one of the issues many cities have been concerned about is ensuring no one is forgotten.

“Our most vulnerable sector is definitely one of our community priorities,” he said. “We just wanted to make the province aware there are challenges,” in cities such as North Battleford, Saskatoon and Prince Albert, for example.

“There needs to be attention paid to our vulnerable sector,” Bater added.

angela.brown@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @OCoureurDesBois