There will soon be another building helping individuals who are at-risk of homeless in Regina.
The Saskatchewan Housing Corporation (SHC) is transferring ownership of one of its buildings to the All Nations Hope Network (ANHN), allowing the organization to expand the services offered through its Awasiw program.
Awasiw, operated by ANHN, is a 24-hour drop-in centre for individuals who are at-risk or experiencing homelessness. The centre also offers support, services and programs to vulnerable Indigenous people, as well as a warming station.
“Indigenous lead organizations for indigenous people is an important piece for those individuals who need those services so they feel welcomed into a building like they, so they can be supported in the way they need to be supported,” said the Minister of Social Service Lori Carr.
Awasiw will soon begin operating out of 2735 – 5th Avenue in Regina, a former commercial building owned by SHC.
All Nations Hope Network is one of the founders and long-standing partners of this project, which was built in 2007. The transfer of ownership of the building to ANHN aligns with Article 23 of the United Declaration of Rights of Indigenous People and the Truth and Reconciliation Calls to Action.
Approximately 400 people per day receive service from ANHN and Awasiw and rely on the food security and safe space it provides to people of all ages and abilities.