La Ronge’s Scattered Site Outreach Program is set to re-open its doors.
The facility, which provides meals and addictions services to vulnerable people, closed its doors last week after a government funding contract ended Mar. 31.
However, Kikinahk Friendship Centre Executive Director Ron Woytowich said provincial funding has now been restored and they plan to re-open on Monday.
He said this a big relief as Scattered Site provides services that are much needed in the community.
“It’s needed here, it’s needed big time,” Woytowich said. “I’ve always said we’re the same as a city. We’re in the north but there’s four communities that really comprise – the band (Lac La Ronge Indian Band), Air Ronge and La Ronge itself and Eagle Point. If all four of us were together, we’d be a city and we have all the problems.”
Woytowich said the new contract, which comes from the Saskatchewan Health Authority, will expire Mar. 31, 2022.
It still remains to be seen what will happen in terms of short-term shelter services in the La Ronge area.
Winter shelters for homeless people at the Drifters Motel and the La Ronge band’s Kitsaki Hall also closed on Mar. 31 due to the end of funding contracts from the Provincial Métis Housing Corporation and Indigenous Services Canada.
Both shelters were also run by the Kikinahk Friendship Centre.