(File photo/paNOW)

By Cam Lee

Unhoused in Nipawin

Nipawin Oasis Centre sounds alarm about need for solutions in homelessness crisis

Oct 24, 2024 | 5:00 PM

The Nipawin Oasis Community Centre is reaching out for help in finding a solution to the homelessness situation in the community.

The non-profit co-operative recently held a Point in Time (PiT) count in Nipawin, which revealed 99 people either living on the street or in tents, campers, vehicles, abandoned buildings, or sheds. Some are temporarily couch-surfing with friends or family. That didn’t include the 42 children that were part of the PiT count.

“Some are wandering around all night with nowhere to go,” said Executive Director Joy Hanson. She told northeastNOW the number of unhoused people in the community is likely higher than the PiT numbers indicate.

“We know who did surveys, and we figure at least 30 to 40 more…we couldn’t find them to get the survey to them.”

She called the need for finding a solution to address the growing issue “urgent”, and with the winter weather soon to appear, potentially life-threatening to those affected.

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“We’ve been providing transportation for people that have a place (to stay) out-of-town, but many don’t have that ability or that option,” Hanson said.

The Oasis Centre has also been transporting people to the hospital that are in danger of amputation or other cold weather-related issues. Hanson said that’s what they’ve been doing on a short-term basis but feels that they’re merely “a band-aid on a gushing wound.” The organization has also provided warm clothing, hygiene items, hot soup and other food to unhoused people in Nipawin and area.

Hanson noted they have sent a letter to the mayor’s office, but an answer may not be quick to come because of the municipal election Nov. 13. The Oasis Centre is slated to speak as a delegation at the Dec. 9 council meeting. Hanson said they have talked with various members of town administration, and she commends the entire Nipawin community for their generosity in providing clothing and monetary donations as they try to provide what limited support they can for what is a long-term concern.

The organization extended their hours a little last winter to try to provide a place where people could warm up. But many struggled to find a place to live during the winter months.

“We had people living in snowbanks last year.”

Hanson said they’re doing all they can as a charity, but they need more supports. The non-profit is helping people in danger of eviction by removing garbage and helping them with budgeting and emergency assistance.

“At the very least we need a warmup shelter, and eventually we’re going to need a real shelter that’s really sheltering people,” said Hanson. “It’s a crisis.”

She said the Oasis Centre is seeking solutions to the problem which could include buildings that would be available to become a warmup shelter, especially a facility that could stay open overnight. Hanson said they’re willing to collaborate with anybody to help ease the crisis.

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Cam.lee@pattisonmedia.com

On X: @northeastNOW_SK