City of Regina Distributes $1.1 million of Provincial Funding to Community Groups for Warming Spaces

The City of Regina distributed $1.1 million in provincial funding to three community groups for the operation and expansion of warming spaces in the city. This investment strengthens the vital work done by the City’s community partners and will make a real difference for residents who are struggling in the coldest months of the year.

The funding, provided by the Government of Saskatchewan as part of its Provincial Approach to Homelessness (PATH), will go towards the new Seven Fires Warming Shelter, and expand the hours at Carmichael Outreach and All Nations Hope Network’s Awasiw space.

“With this investment, we are supporting community-led responses identified by the City of Regina and partners. Together, we are building out resources and providing invaluable services for vulnerable people in the community,” said Minister of Social Services Terry Jenson. “This funding to the City of Regina is part of an additional $20 million investment over three years announced in November 2025 to expand homelessness services and enhance supports for individuals experiencing homelessness across the province."

Carmichael Outreach and Awasiw, operated by All Nations Hope Network, will continue to provide warming spaces, as they have done in previous years; however the additional funding from the provincial government will allow both organizations to extend their service hours, ultimately decreasing the amount of time individuals may have to be out in the cold. Those spaces, located at 1510 12th Avenue and 2735 5th Avenue, provide shelter, refreshments, programming, referrals and community support.

“I want to thank the Government of Saskatchewan for working with us to secure this much-needed funding for community warming spaces,” said Mayor Chad Bachynski. “In Regina, our winters can be dangerous and we have a responsibility to ensure that no one is left without a warm, safe place to go. We also know there is much more work to do. The City of Regina remains committed to working with the province, community organizations and Indigenous-led partners to build long-term, sustainable solutions that support dignity, safety and pathways to housing for all.”

The Seven Fires Warming Shelter, operated by Nēwo-Yōtina Friendship Centre, was created with this funding. This new space, located at 1635 11th Avenue, provides critical temporary relief from the cold with hot meals, snacks, coffee and cold weather necessities. Wraparound supports are also available to help individuals move beyond immediate crisis, toward stability.

“We are grateful for this funding and support of the Seven Fires Warming Shelter, which will have a meaningful impact in our community by providing a safe, welcoming place during extreme weather while helping relieve pressure on other community shelters operating at capacity,” said Teresa Innis, Executive Director of Nēwo Yōtina Friendship Centre. “This partnership reflects a shared commitment to community care.”