The homeless shelter program in Estevan is getting a significant contribution from the Saskatchewan Union of Nurses (SUN), which will help address the shelter's needs as an increasing number of locals continue to turn to the program.
St. Paul’s United Church and their minister Brenna Nickel, who share the shelter's duties with the local Salvation Army, were thrilled to hear that the Warm Welcome homeless shelter program was on the receiving end of a $25,000 grant from SUN.
"This is a huge contribution to Warm Welcome, and we're so grateful," said Nickel, prior to the official cheque presentation on July 7.
She said as a result of various connections at St. Joseph's Hospital, who had heard about and supported Warm Welcome over the years, SUN had caught wind of the work being done at Estevan's shelter. A phone call shortly before Christmas in 2014 confirmed SUN's interest in providing the program with a grant as part of SUN's annual mission to support groups in communities across the province that contribute to the well-being of people.
President of SUN, Tracy Zambory, said Warm Welcome was a perfect recepient.
"When someone has the ability to have a warm place to sleep and eat a nutritious meal, the chances of them entering the system is greatly reduced," Zambory said, adding people without a home are most vulnerable during the frigid winters in Saskatchewan. "We felt it was really important for (Warm Welcome) to continue with that service."
Nickel said this money will be used to purchase new beds and a washer and dryer. An additional storage unit is also being considered. A portion of the grant will be set aside for future shelter upgrades.
"The dignity of our guests remains our top priority. It's something a lot of us take for granted," she said, noting people who use the shelter should sleep on a comfortable bed and have the opportunity to wear clean clothes.
"The beds we have right now are a little beat up," she said.
The grant money, Nickel said, will greatly help the shelter remain situated in Estevan, which has slowly seen more people come through, especially locals.
"We feel the need for shelter will remain a concern in this area," Nickel said. "Especially right now, we're seeing a lot of breakdowns in families being affected by layoffs."
Short and long-term plans are still up in the air, but Nickel has suggested the possibility of keeping the shelter open year-round, and perhaps relocating the shelter itself or opening another facility. An affordable transitional housing facility, where people can learn about budgeting and home care, is another option that has been discussed.
However, Nickel stressed these are only concept ideas that likely won't come to fruition for another five to 10 years. Nevertheless, Warm Welcome will continue to support those in need of shelter or emotional support.
"We're only as healthy as the person who is least healthy in our community," she said. "We have to take care of each other."
The Family Resource Centre in Estevan was also a recipient of a $25,000 donation from SUN. Read this week's edition of Estevan Lifestyles for more details.
