The unhoused issue in Lloydminster can be seen across multiple platforms on any given day. Men’s Shelter Director Kagen Kneen knows of the problems and hopes to see change with a new facility.
Walking near the 5000 block of 49 Ave., you see a small building that houses the men’s shelter. Kneen is planning for a new building and hopes to reach an overarching goal with the facility.
“(It will) clean up the downtown and neighbouring communities. Right now, the unhoused don’t have anywhere to use the washroom 24 hours a day,” said Kneen. “We can only currently provide washrooms to clients that are checked in because they have to undergo security screening each time, so it can’t be made available to everyone.”
He says that is only one of the many ways the shelter doesn’t adequately meet the needs of the current unhoused population.
“Right now, we serve about 250 people in a month. They have no food source, they need clothing, they need showers, they need support,” he said.
Kneen believes the shelter needs to play a larger role in the community. For those having issues with the unhoused in the area, Kneen encourages them to come and talk with him.
“I would love to have a conversation with them about challenges they’re having and what we’re doing … so we can mitigate those challenges,” said Kneen.
Due to a change in recent zoning by-laws, the shelter is currently working with the city to vet a few properties that may work for the new shelter.
Kneen explained he has high hopes for the facility and is optimistic his currently cross-province run from B.C. to Manitoba will help raise funds for the new building.
“It’s not just to have a bigger facility for the unhoused individuals. We’re planning for 60 beds instead of 28. The intent is to have a permanent warming centre or a permanent cooling centre during the summer months, and washroom facilities open 24 hours a day, year-round.”
He acknowledges the current views of the unhoused in our community are not very high, with increased crime and other issues frequenting social media platforms, but knows most of them are not criminals.
Wherever the shelter moves, it will be coming with a “Good Neighbours Program,” something the City of Lloydminster is helping to facilitate.
“When we get the new building, we will take care of all the yard maintenance. Cleaning up garbage mowing and weed eating lawns, doing the snow removal, all of that kind of stuff for the front properties of anybody who lives near our shelter,” explained Kneen.
He predicts roughly triple the staff will be needed to keep the property secure, but it will ensure drugs and alcohol are not on the property while still providing individuals with a safe place to go and get away from the elements. He also sees it as giving them their dignity back. It’s all part of a bigger plan to help eventually empower the individuals in need.
“We want to have a gymnasium; we want to have a woodworking shop where they have opportunities to build things and do things,” said Kneen. “If we have a bigger space, I can also work with local businesses and training facilities to get them their tickets so they can have the skills and go back to work and eventually find a housing solution.”
This vision is why he’s currently running across two provinces, raising money for the project he figures will cost around $1.2M. The goal for the Running for Shelter Campaign is $300,000. The run will be in town for a barbecue on Aug. 13 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in the green space in front of the Cenovus building on Highway 16. The public is invited to come and show their support.
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