The proposed location for the new Lloydminster Men's Shelter is not only bigger, it will also have a plan in place to help long-time residents.
"The policy is 21 days, we have people that have been here for three years," said Kagan Kneen, executive director of the men's shelter. "If you want to stay in the shelter then you have to commit to working with the case worker on next steps."
He clarifies the plan doesn't mean the person has to leave the shelter immediately. Kneen emphasizes it's important to get a plan in place on how they will leave the shelter.
"How do we get you out of the shelter facility, if they don't commit to work with the case worker, after 21 days, they won't have a bed," says Kneen.
He says the board agrees with a proactive approach in bringing down the complacency level of those that have been in the shelter for a long time.
Kneen says they haven't raised enough funds to purchase the new building, yet, but says there may be support from organizations and companies.
The plan he outlines is to lease the building for six months with the intent to buy after that period, if they can figure out the mortgage and finances.
The building will also be an upgrade in size, not just planning.
The proposed location would see the men's shelter move over one building to the former CANSAFE location. It will offer more space for clients, including 30 beds for the clean and sober and 30 beds for those in active addiction.
Kneen says they ideally want a space for their clients to go and do activities when they're not in the shelter.
"There's already a gymnasium, we've been donated workout equipment," he said.
Kneen says the building will also give them the chance to offer wrap-around services.
“We want to give them the tools to be successful, we want to provide wrap-around services not just for our clients but those outside as well,” said Kneen.
People will be able to use bathrooms anytime, day or night.
Another positive for the new location includes a meeting room where Kneen says they will be bringing in nurse practitioners to work with clients in need.
Overall, the new location gives the team at the men's shelter more flexibility in the services they can offer.
Kneen also notes services will no longer be provided to violent or aggressive individuals.
"They're not aggressive or violent. There's a handful of individuals that are, yes, but we no longer provide services to the ones not following the rules," he explains. "If they're vandalizing property, if we see someone vandalizing something at the church or, at the building next door, then we're obviously going to restrict their services as well."
Mayor Gerald Aalbers believes the shelter is necessary for the community.
“Well, if you have more capacity, you can get people off the street that are on the street today … because once morning comes, they currently have to leave the shelter,” said Aalbers.
“They want to see some services expanded to try and help get people moving forward in their life.”
He also said the city works with multiple organizations to help take someone from where they are today and try to help improve their life.
The new shelter, if approved, will offer the good neighbour program.
It will provide lawn care, snow removal and other services to properties close to the shelter.
With files from Dan Gray - the Meridian Source
Read more: “Being unhoused isn’t illegal”- Lloyd RCMP
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