Regina's All Nations Hope Network to expand frontline services with new building
All Nations Hope Network (ANHN) will soon be able to expand the services offered through its Awasiw program.
Saskatchewan Housing Corporation (SHC) transferred ownership of its building at 2735 5th Ave. to the organization on Wednesday.
The Awasiw program, operated by ANHN, is a drop-in centre for those at-risk or experiencing homelessness. The program offers support and services to vulnerable Indigenous people.
The director of the ANHN said the program services about 400 people per night, but with the current set up of the building and pandemic guidelines, it can only serve a few people at a time.
The organization plans to renovate the main floor to allow more space.
“So they can come in and maybe have a seat, or a coffee or a meal and access any services or referrals they may be getting,” Lana Holinaty, director of operations for the ANHN, said.
Holinaty added the timing of the ownership transfer was good because she is expecting to see an increase of people using the program as the temperatures drop.
“There’s so many homeless people out there right now and we are hoping to address at least being able to keep some of them warm,” she said.
Lori Carr, Minister of Social Services, said this transfer allows ANHN the freedom to renovate and make changes to the building in order to run its programs better.
“Indigenous led organizations for Indigenous people is an important piece for those individuals that need those services so that they feel welcomed and invited into buildings like this so that they can be supported in the way that they need to be supported,” Carr said.
The Awasiw program currently runs from 9 p.m. to 7 a.m.
All Nations Hope plans to apply for some funding to extend the hours to run 24-7.
ANHN has been providing frontline services to Indigenous people for more than 20 years. The organization offers regular testing services and access to Elders, traditions medicine, food and naloxone.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
NEW For their protection, immigrants critical of China and India call for speedy passage of Canada's foreign interference legislation
Canadian immigrants threatened by hostile regimes are urging parliamentarians to quickly pass the 'Countering Foreign Interference Act' so they can feel safe living in their adopted home.
OPINION No reunion between Prince Harry and the King signifies a setback for royal unity
Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, has made headlines with his recent arrival in the U.K., this time to celebrate all things Invictus. But upon the prince landing in the U.K., we have already had confirmation that King Charles III won't have time to see his youngest son during his brief visit.
Most of Canada to receive emergency alert test today
The federal government will test its capacity to issue emergency alerts today, with the exception of Ontario, where the test will take place on May 15.
How Drake and Kendrick Lamar's rap beef escalated within weeks
A long-simmering feud between hip-hop superstars Drake and Kendrick Lamar reached a boiling point in recent days as the pair traded increasingly personal insults on a succession of diss tracks. Here’s a quick overview of what’s behind the ongoing beef.
Stormy Daniels describes meeting Trump during occasionally graphic testimony in hush money trial
With Donald Trump sitting just feet away, Stormy Daniels testified Tuesday at the former president's hush money trial about a sexual encounter the porn actor says they had in 2006 that resulted in her being paid to keep silent during the presidential race 10 years later.
Susan Buckner, who played spirited cheerleader Patty Simcox in 'Grease,' dead at 72
Susan Buckner, best known for playing peppy Rydell High School cheerleader Patty Simcox in the 1978 classic movie musical 'Grease,' has died. She was 72.
Northern Ont. woman makes 'eggstraordinary' find
A chicken farmer near Mattawa made an 'eggstraordinary' find Friday morning when she discovered one of her hens laid an egg close to three times the size of an average large chicken egg.
Indian envoy warns of 'big red line,' days after charges laid in Nijjar case
India's envoy to Canada insists relations between the two countries are positive overall, despite what he describes as 'a lot of noise.'
Boy Scouts of America changing name for first time in 114 years, aiming for inclusivity
The Boy Scouts of America announced after 114 years that it will change its name and will become Scouting America in an effort to emphasize inclusion as it works to move past the turmoil of bankruptcy and a flood of sexual abuse claims.