Photo: New Beginnings Regina’s new permanent shelter
By Joshua Potter
MBC News Freelance Correspondent
First Nations University of Canada
On Friday, July 25th, the city of Regina announced the grand opening of its new permanent emergency shelter, “New Beginnings.”
Officially opening its door to citizens on Monday, July 28th, Mayor Chad Bachynski spoke on how the new shelter is a “symbol of dignity, compassion, and hope” for those experiencing homelessness.
The enhanced shelter is located at 1600 Halifax Street and is being operated by Regina Treaty/Status Indian Services (RT/SIS). New Beginnings shelter is in place of the temporary shelter site located at Nest Health Centre. The city of Regina has spent a total of 6.8 million dollars and will be spending an annual one million dollars each year that will be used for operational costs.
Natasha Kennedy—who is the RT/SIS executive director—spoke on how the shelter is a milestone for an emergency shelter, “being in a temporary operation to a permanent operation.”
Kennedy went on further to say that “we want to make sure that any funds we’re using in this space are directly going to enhancing the ability for residents to be.”
By creating a safe and welcoming environment, New Beginnings offers 50 beds and is operational 24/7. It operates on a first-come, first-served basis. The shelter is going to offer three meals a day, case planning services, and wrap-around supports that reflect both cultural and wellness needs.
When asked what happens when the shelter is at full capacity, Kennedy said they won’t simply “turn people away.” Rather, they will figure out a solution to help get these people the help they need.
New Beginnings—Regina’s new permanent emergency shelter—seeks to provide individuals with the cultural and wellness supports/services they need. However, in saying this, the shelter will also be viewed as transitional housing in an attempt to help these individuals acquire a stabilized home.
Speaking towards the future of Regina’s homelessness issue, Mayor Bachynski said how “this is only the beginning and that “our journey toward ending chronic homelessness is far from over.” Everyone involved in this project hopes that New Beginnings lays the foundation for continuous efforts that are being made to find everyone a home.
During the grand opening of New Beginnings, a short tour was given of the different rooms that they have available.
Front desk at the New Beginnings permanent Shelter in Regina / Joshua Potter
Bed units at the New Beginnings permanent Shelter in Regina / Joshua Potter
Isolation Unit at the New Beginnings permanent Shelter in Regina / Joshua Potter