Temporary Winter Shelter to Open in Regina’s Downtown for People Experiencing Houselessness
A temporary 40-space winter shelter for people experiencing houselessness in Regina will be open January 30. The Government of Saskatchewan, City of Regina, Regina Treaty/Status Indian Services (RT/SIS) and The Nest Health Centre are collaborating on the initiative in response to an immediate need as existing shelters face capacity issues.
The temporary winter shelter is leased through The Nest Health Centre by the City and will be managed and operated by RT/SIS. The shelter fills the need for short-term emergency shelter as longer-term solutions continue to be explored.
“RT/SIS, as an agency, works year-round to address many issues that are experienced by our most vulnerable who live in the city of Regina,” stated Erica Beaudin, Executive Director of RT/SIS. “We are committed to our meaningful and continued partnerships with the Government of Saskatchewan and the City of Regina. Further, we are very excited about our partnership with The Nest Health Centre as they take on their role as contributing community members by their professional service.”
Professional wrap-around services to support shelter residents are available on-site. The City is providing furniture and supplies, as well as coordinating minor renovations to the main floor to create a suitable shelter space.
“Working with community partners to improve safety and well-being for all residents is a priority for the City of Regina,” said Mayor Sandra Masters. “The new temporary winter shelter is a great example of different levels of government and the non-profit and private sectors working together to address a community issue.”
The new owners of the former YMCA building are enthusiastic partners and recognize that providing a temporary space for a shelter aligns with the vision for The Nest Health Centre as a new, multifaceted and collaborative community centre focused on healthcare and wellness.
“As a healthcare facility our mission is to improve the wellness of our patients. This initiative allows us to leverage our existing space as we continue to revitalize the building”, says Director of Communications for The Nest, Neha Jain. “Making our space available affects multiple touchpoints in the healthcare system and is an example of an upstream solution. This initiative will help alleviate pressure across the system, support and stabilize some of our most vulnerable patients, and also allows our physicians to provide on-site medical care to those in need within the shelter.”
The Government of Saskatchewan is providing RT/SIS $400,000 in operational funding to operate the shelter.
“The province is pleased to be a part of the temporary winter shelter, as we continue to work together on supporting vulnerable people in Regina,” Minister of Social Services Gene Makowsky said. “The operating funding will provide access to 24-hour shelter spaces, programming and offer three daily meals in a safe and supportive environment.”
Once the shelter opens, the City will pause the operation of the warming bus. Find more information at Regina.ca/shelter
