The Battlefords homeless shelter is operated by Battlefords Agency Tribal Chiefs Inc. (Angela Brown/battlefordsNOW Staff)

By Angela Brown

Emergency support

Homeless shelter sees high numbers as weather turns brisk

Oct 20, 2022 | 1:16 PM

With the cooler weather settling in this fall, that is resulting in an increased need for the local emergency shelter, operated by Battlefords Agency Tribal Chiefs Inc. (BATC).

Called “Miwasin Kikinaw: Our Home is Good,” the homeless shelter is located close to downtown in North Battleford.

“Certainly, we’ve seen the numbers as far as demand [has] increased,” BATC Chief Operations Officer Terrance Thomas said. “I think a lot of it is just the shift in the weather.”

He said those staying at homeless encampments or planning to go to other shelters in the region may end up coming directly to the North Battleford shelter instead.

The shelter can accommodate 27 people and is currently at capacity.

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Thomas noted there might be additional housing opening up in the future, to meet the need, as a possibility.

Fortunately, the local homeless shelter has not had to turn anyone away.

“Our concern is the rising costs of the general cost of living,” Thomas said. “That demand might increase. We’re looking at inflation and other causes that could increase [the risk of] someone being either periodically or episodically homeless.”

BATC in support of Miwasin Kikinaw, under the BATC health department, is working on a plan to try to find more long-term solutions to address with the issue of homelessness.

Thomas said Calgary-based consultant, Dr. Alina Turner, co-founder of Help Seeker, is working on the project, adding that she is also someone with whom he has worked with in the past.

Turner is developing a study for BATC currently, which it plans to take to the City of North Battleford, the Saskatchewan Housing Corp., and Saskatchewan’s Minister of Social Services, Gene Makowsky, when complete.

“We’ve had recent discussions with Minister Makowsky. I think we will have that support to hopefully expand our services,” Thomas said.

BATC is looking to provide more comprehensive services to people using the shelter.

“Basically, if you are receiving someone who is in need, they might require other supports. It could be mental health, it could be addictions issues,” Thomas said. “We’re trying to provide a better well-centered approach to ensure the health and wellbeing of a client.”

He said ultimately the aim is to help these people so they can have a home of their own in the future, and can access employment, to have a more stable life.

“We’re trying to stop the cycle,” Thomas said. “I believe we have the support of a number of stakeholders and partners. We’re [working] to provide a comprehensive strategic approach to address the issue, and try to take someone out of homelessness and that cycle.”

He added it’s also important to try to address the way the sensitive issue of homelessness is looked at in society.

“We appreciate the community’s support,” Thomas said. “Hopefully, we can change the perception of homelessness, that it’s not a choice for most. Hopefully, we can provide a transition into actual housing.”

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angela.brown@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @battlefordsNOW