The Kenora District Services Board will temporarily take over the Red Lake Area Emergency Shelter, as they work together to enhance services for clients.
In response to increasing issues and demand for homelessness services, the KDSB and emergency shelter will collaborate to get a new shelter operator with increased capacity and skills.
The land, facility, and shelter will all be transferred to the KDSB as of June 1st and there will be no disruption to services or staffing.
This change comes as the RLAES Board gave a notice to end their service agreement as operator, due to a lack of volunteers.
Since 1994, the RLAES Board has been providing services and programming to support individuals experiencing homelessness, with an increase in staffing and programming to include client services, housing, outreach, and food programming.
“On behalf of the Board of Directors, we would like to acknowledge and thank all of the Board members and employees that have served the RLAES over the years. The Board believes a change in structure would better meet the needs of the clients and programming. We have evolved from an emergency overnight shelter to protect people from our harsh environment into so much more. Before stable funding was secured, previous Boards and employees needed to fundraise to keep the shelter doors open. Together they showed great commitment, compassion and displayed the true embodiment of what being a member of a community means,” said Kelly Hall-Baranesky, Chair of the RLAES Board of Directors.
She adds, “We look forward to working with KDSB in this transition. They have proven to be a great resource to our Board and share a common commitment to issues surrounding homelessness.”
The KDSB has supported the RLAES programming over the last 5 years.
“The RLAES Board of Directors have demonstrated what hard work, true caring, and the betterment of those in need is all about. Their tireless efforts in advocating, supporting, and allowing the RLAES to grow and thrive is a true testament to their compassionate nature in supporting everyone’s well-being. The KDSB looks forward to continued work with the Board and a smooth transition for those who access its services and programming,” said Henry Wall, Chief Administrative Officer of the KDSB.
In 2020, the RLAES supported:
- An average of 18 shelter guests per month
- An average of 160 overnight beds per month
- Provision of 25 meals per day (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
- Support for 34 outreach clients
The RLAES Board say they will be restructuring their group to focus on fundraising opportunities for the shelter and continue working towards ending homelessness in Red Lake.
The KDSB and RLAES Board wish to thank the Red Lake community for its ongoing support over the years with donations and efforts to help those in need.
