The Aboriginal Housing Management Association has become the new operational collaborator of the Nawican Friendship Centre and emergency homeless shelter situated in Dawson Creek. For over five decades, the Nawican Friendship Centre has been a hub for urban Indigenous families and local community members. Stacey Bourque, the association manager, presented findings from a recent evaluation of concerns and issues gathered over the past six weeks during a meeting with the city council on Monday.
Bourque expressed the association’s aim to bridge gaps in care for vulnerable individuals, particularly those grappling with addiction, while also addressing community grievances related to public intoxication and substance use. She highlighted the prevalence of compassion fatigue among the population. The association has engaged with various stakeholders, including the city, RCMP, Northern Health, the South Peace Community Resources Society, and local business owners to gather input.
A formal complaint system and a mitigation strategy are currently in the works by the association to enhance community safety and provide support for those experiencing homelessness. Bourque emphasized the importance of fostering trust and strengthening relationships within the community, especially with struggling local business owners. She mentioned the forthcoming draft framework on accountability, which will be shared with the city upon completion.
Additionally, the association is collaborating with the Dawson Creek Native Housing Society to secure additional housing for individuals in need, aiming to transition them off the streets and offer comprehensive assistance. Bourque stressed the necessity for expanded services to tackle addiction and housing instability in Dawson Creek, noting the shortage of housing and mental health resources in the community compared to larger urban centers.
In a bid to address community concerns and increase capacity, the Nawican Friendship Centre is seeking a temporary use permit from the city to relocate the shelter approximately 300 meters from its current location on 102 Avenue. The move is anticipated to alleviate many of the issues raised by the community and potentially raise the shelter’s capacity from 17 to 24 beds.
Mayor Darcy Dober expressed gratitude for the ongoing discussions with the association to address community issues and enhance the city’s well-being. He commended the association for listening to community feedback and implementing changes to address their needs.
