John Howard Society offering free drop-in centre for all residents

The John Howard Society of Saskatchewan Moose Jaw office has launched a drop-in centre for anyone looking to escape the cold or simply have a coffee and chat with office staff.

The organization began offering the free Cornerstone Drop-in Centre in mid-January, mainly because office employees saw a need in the community for such a program, but also partly in response to the freezing temperatures at the time, explained Blair Roberts, communications officer for the John Howard Society of Saskatchewan (JHSS).

“People just don’t necessarily have a safe place to go (in the winter), so we wanted to make sure there was something they could come and access,” he said. “A place where they could find not only some friendly faces but some coffee and some supports for whatever kind of supports they might need.”

Not only does the centre offer a warm space for people who may be homeless, but it also gives residents access to the internet, a telephone, TV, and support from staff to help craft a résumé or job application. Roberts noted JHSS wants this centre to be a one-stop shop for anyone looking for support, whether it’s legal advice or otherwise.

The centre, located at 15 Hochelaga St. West, is open Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

While the Moose Jaw office handles many issues such as mediation between the offender and the victim, with attempts to bring peace to the situation, the drop-in centre is essentially for anyone in Moose Jaw, said Roberts, whether they need legal support or not.

“It could be anyone who wants to come visit,” he continued. This could include anyone dealing with homelessness, addictions or poverty. Sometimes people might want to buy a coffee but don’t have the money. The centre will offer coffee for free. It can also be for residents who are concerned about the community and simply want to find out how they can get involved and support others.

“We love working in the community of Moose Jaw,” Roberts added. “Our staff there just saw a need and wanted to fulfill it. They just think it’s important to engage the community and let them know that we’re there as a support for people.”