[Editorial note: Square One has clarified that William Milne Place could be used as a Supportive Housing Hub, rather than a daytime warming space.]
Della Ferguson, president of Square One Community, Inc. said she is thrilled that a new overnight shelter for both men and women has come to Moose Jaw, and that Square One has been at the table for the discussions from the beginning.
On Jan. 24, the Government of Saskatchewan announced $124,400 in funding for a new Moose Jaw shelter at 83 Ominica Street West, to be operated by the John Howard Society (JHS).
The shelter, named Willow Lodge, opened on Jan. 22. It offers 15 co-ed beds between 8 p.m. and 8 a.m., and will also serve as a hub connecting clients to supports and services.
"Square One has been at the table and in conversation with government for two years, really, advocating for a warming space and for emergency shelter," Ferguson told MooseJawToday.com. "With the announcement in the fall (of 2023) that funding was available (through the Provincial Approach to Homelessness), the government approached Square One, and we've been in full talks with them since then."
Ferguson said that as talks on funding for a shelter proceeded, Square One's William Milne Place location at 138 Fairford Street was considered right up to the end. Finally, she said, the decision on location came down to readiness and the availability of supportive, ongoing infrastructure.
"Right from the beginning, we knew that the only way we could do this was in collaboration with a partner, who would have experience, staffing, and the depth of infrastructure to match the quick turnaround time that the government was ready to fund for," Ferguson explained. "And so, we approached several community organizations, and John Howard answered that call.
"Right up to the 11th hour, all the renovation needs had been looked at by the government, and William Milne would cost about $28,000 to be readied for the proposed use. And Jodie (Oakes, the executive director of JHS in Moose Jaw) had found the potential of renting that SaskTel building. And when they did a walkthrough of that space, it was obvious that it was practically walk-in ready. With the tight turnaround time required, it was obvious that (83 Ominica) was the best fit."
Ferguson did a tour of the building herself when Willow Lodge opened, and said it is perfect. It has numerous washrooms and showers, enough space to lay out sleeping spaces each night, and meets every other requirement for immediate operation.
"So, Square One has supported this opening. We delivered a brand-new washer and dryer, which they said was immediately used and appreciated by the folks who stayed there ... We took snack foods and deodorant for that first night, blankets donated by Providence Place, the wonderful Sacred Heart blankets, sheets donated by Temple Gardens that I had cut down to twin size, and we will continue to participate and help however we can."
Ferguson noted that JHS staff are on the front lines with people in crisis everyday. They have the background knowledge, system navigation expertise, and avenues of communication necessary to serve the shelter's target population.
"The folks at John Howard have a beautiful relationship with the people being served, they've built a deep trust," Ferguson said. "We are thrilled that this has happened, and we're thrilled that we were able to be at the table for it."
With the shelter established, the Square One board are turning their attention to how William Milne Place can serve the community. They want to compliment rather than duplicate the efforts of community partners, and one possibility is to use William Milne as a Supportive Housing Hub.
"The final decision only came down last week, so we are turning our attention to how we can continue to contribute," Ferguson added. "That's where our attention will be focused now."
