The BATC Community Development Corporation (BATC CDC) announced today a grant of $275,000 to the Lighthouse Supported Living for the development of a new emergency shelter in North Battleford. A cheque presentation today at 11 am welcomed the Lighthouse to the Battlefords.

Left to Right: DeeAnn Mercier – Lighthouse Communications Directior, Chief Lori Whitecalf of Sweetgrass First Nation, Mayor Ian Hamilton, Chief Dan Starchief of Mosquito First Nation, Don Windels – Lighthouse Executive Director, Kelly Atcheynum – General Manager, Gold Eagle Casino, Oscar Gopher – Councillor for Saulteaux First Nation. Thank you to Chief Ben Weenie for his prayers. (Chief Whitecalf, Chief Starchief, and Councillor Gopher are members of the BATC CDC Board of Directors.)

The Lighthouse will be providing emergency shelter for those experiencing homelessness, 3 meals a day for those who are staying there, and programming and support to help individuals find and retain housing in the Battlefords.

“When a group from the Battlefords approached the Lighthouse to inquire what steps were needed to secure a 24-hour emergency shelter, it seemed like a natural fit for the Lighthouse to be the organization that lead the project,” Executive Director of the Lighthouse Supported Living, Don Windels said. “Our work in Saskatoon running an emergency shelter and Stabilization Unit has prepared us for some of the issues we know individuals are experiencing in the Battlefords.”

“BATC CDC is pleased to a part of an initiative that meets our vision of supporting the development of healthy communities,” Chairperson of BATC CDC, Neil Sasakamoose said.  “The Lighthouse will provide a safe and warm environment at any hour, on any given day, especially in our winter months.”

“To have a facility that will provide support and resources to the people of our First Nations, the Battlefords and surrounding communities, will only be a benefit,” said Chief Lori Whitecalf of Sweetgrass First Nation. Chief Whitecalf is a Board of Director with BATC CDC and is also the Tribal Chair for Battlefords Agency Tribal Chiefs.

The Lighthouse has already purchased a property in downtown North Battleford for use as a shelter but the building requires extensive upgrades including a proper fire suppression system. The shelter expects to open its doors to those who are homeless or struggle to find a safe place to live in November. The grand opening of the Lighthouse Supported Living Emergency Shelter in North Battleford will be announced at a later date.

A men’s and women’s dorm as well as a separate area for those who are intoxicated will be in the facility, as well as rooms for families. Admission to the shelter will be denied to highly intoxicated and/or violent individuals who may pose a threat to themselves or others. In those cases, the police will be called.

The Lighthouse currently operates an emergency shelter for men and women, supported living suites, and independent affordable housing suites in Saskatoon. Additionally, the Lighthouse opened a Stabilization Unit last summer for those who are intoxicated or under the influence of drugs to provide a safe, supervised place to sleep.

About BATC Community Development Corporation:

BATC Community Development Corporation (BATC CDC) is responsible for distributing a portion of the Gold Eagle Casino profits by providing financial support to non-profit and charitable organizations. Our area of support includes the Battlefords and surrounding communities, the First Nations within Battlefords Agency Tribal Chiefs and Battlefords Tribal Council, and several independent First Nations. BATC CDC continually meets its vision of supporting the development the healthy communities, by implementing the core value, “improving the quality of life”.

To see pictures from the announcement click here. To donate towards the Battlefords Emergency Shelter click here.

For more information, contact:

DeeAnn Mercier

The Lighthouse Supported Living Inc.

Email: deeann.mercier@lighthousesaskatoon.org

Vivian Whitecalf, General Manager

BATC Community Development Corporation

Email: vivian.whitecalf@batc.ca