Regina warming shelter sees increase in visitors as temperatures drop – Regina | 24CA News
Since it reopened on Dec. 1. Awasiw has seen over 415 folks come by its doorways.
The warming shelter was initially closed in June after funding was lower. Then in November, it obtained phrase extra federal funding was on the way in which.
Community Health director at All Nations Hope Network, Melanie Kingston says the shelter provides folks probably the most fundamental wants.
“Telephone, bathroom. A place to be warm, and a place to be safe.”
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The constructing has chairs setup for 30 folks, however Kingston says there’s often folks ready exterior, so that they need to ask folks if they might let another person in.
“We try to keep the flow going through the doors like if somebody has been in here for two hours and somebody is outside waiting to come in, we’ll say ‘excuse me do you mind if we let someone else in and take turns’”.
Although Kingston is aware of Awasiws work is vital. She worries they’re placing a band-aid on a much bigger problem. ” Homelessness is a big problem in Regina and home emptiness is a big problem in Regina,” provides Kingston. “I think the city need to do more.”
On Nov. 15, the town launched the warming bus. It was used to briefly alleviate the dearth of warming shelters on the time. On Monday, the bus stated farewell to its final customer, closing its doorways and letting native organizations take over.
The metropolis says it fell in need of offering high quality neighborhood outreach. The shortcoming led to some violent conditions.
“There have been reports of violence, sexual assault, drug and alcohol consumption,” Regina Mayor Sandra Masters advised media on Nov. 30.
Kingston says Regina wants extra organizations to assist combat this problem within the Queen City and desires the town’s warming bus stayed open.
“I definitely think we need more. Just by the numbers that come through Awasiw, who aren’t we helping?”
Mayor Masters says she isn’t ruling out a possible return for the warming bus service however says security of everybody inside it’s their prime precedence.
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