A homeless housing initiative proposed by the Flin Flon Aboriginal Friendship Centre took centre stage for Flin Flon and District Chamber of Commerce members.
The chamber’s Tuesday, Nov. 22 meeting featured Shelley Craig of the Friendship Centre as guest speaker.
She discussed the progress of Flin Flon’s proposed homeless shelter as well as the need for affordable and transitory housing in the area.
Craig mentioned a 2015 University of Winnipeg report that determined Flin Flon’s homeless rate was nearly twice the national average.
The report also discussed the root causes of homelessness, such as poverty, addiction, disaffiliation and lack of affordable housing.
“One of the things we found out from the research report is that understanding homelessness is key,” said Craig “There are a lot of myths and perceptions out there, that if you’re homeless you’re sleeping on the street or in a corner somewhere. That is the case in some of the situations, but some of the situations include the working poor, people who have a hard time finding affordable housing and accommodations.”
Craig and chamber members discussed potential locations for a homeless shelter or transitory housing. The Elks Hall and former Flin Flon Hotel, both of which are vacant, were mentioned, but neither would be usable without extensive renovations.
For Craig and the Friendship Centre, getting the community at large involved in starting a shelter is key.
“I think as a community, we’re trying to do what we can do. To be honest, we have situations where people are sleeping on the street,” she said.
Task force
Chamber president Dianne Russell shared news about the Manitoba government’s northern economic development strategy task force.
Russell will sit on the task force, which was recently announced by Minister of Growth, Enterprise and Trade Cliff Cullen.
“I feel pretty strongly he’ll be focusing on tourism,” said Russell, referring to Cullen. “He’s been tasked to spend and support more with tourism. I don’t just want some money thrown at tourism so somebody can say, ‘Look what we’re doing for the North and economic development.’”
The task force and Cullen’s ministry are planning a northern economic development summit.
Christmas contest
One of the chamber’s key holiday events will see some changes.
The Holiday Shine contest will be altered for this season. The contest will be held exclusively online and on social media sites, in an effort to cut costs and grow the contest.
Members of the public will be asked to vote for a local business or group that best shows “creative Christmas decorating,” a “spirit of giving” and “community initiative.”
Voting will be done online and prizes will be given out to the business or group with the most votes and an online voter chosen at random. The contest will continue until Dec. 20, with winners announced Dec. 21.
