The Aboriginal Housing Management Association has become the operational partner for the Nawican Friendship Centre and emergency homeless shelter in Dawson Creek.
Having served the urban Indigenous families and community members for over half a century, the Nawican Friendship Centre is a vital community hub in Dawson Creek.
During a meeting with the city council, Association manager Stacey Bourque presented findings from a recent assessment that gathered feedback on community issues and concerns over the past six weeks.
Bourque emphasized the aim to address gaps in care for vulnerable individuals, including those struggling with addiction, while also acknowledging and working on community complaints related to public intoxication and substance use.
She mentioned that there is a growing sense of compassion fatigue among the residents.
The association has engaged with various stakeholders such as the city, RCMP, Northern Health, South Peace Community Resources Society, and local businesses to gather input and insights, Bourque explained.
As part of their strategy, the association is developing a formal complaint system and mitigation plan with a focus on enhancing community safety and providing support for the homeless population.
Bourque stressed the importance of building trust and fostering better relationships within the community, particularly with local businesses facing challenges.
The association plans to submit a draft framework for a complaint system to the city once it is finalized.
In collaboration with the Dawson Creek Native Housing Society, efforts are underway to secure additional housing options for those in need, aiming to offer comprehensive support services and transition individuals off the streets.
Highlighting the pressing need for more resources to tackle addiction and housing insecurity in Dawson Creek, Bourque mentioned the lack of adequate housing and mental health services in the community, often overshadowed by larger urban areas.
Bourque also revealed that the Nawican Friendship Centre is exploring a temporary use permit from the city to relocate the shelter to a new site approximately 300 meters away from its current location on 102 Avenue.
This move is anticipated to address many of the issues raised by the community and potentially expand the shelter’s capacity from 17 to 24 beds.
Mayor Darcy Dober expressed gratitude for the collaborative efforts and discussions with the association to address community concerns and improve the situation in Dawson Creek.
“I want to thank you for your engagement over the past six weeks,” Dober told Bourque, acknowledging the positive impact of the changes made in response to community feedback.
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