The Nawican Friendship Centre and emergency homeless shelter in Dawson Creek have a new operating partner, the Aboriginal Housing Management Association. The Centre, serving urban Indigenous families for over 50 years, now aims to bridge care gaps for vulnerable individuals, including those struggling with addiction, while also addressing community concerns about public intoxication and substance use. Association manager Stacey Bourque presented insights from a recent assessment to city council, highlighting the need to combat compassion fatigue among residents.
Consultations involving the city, RCMP, Northern Health, South Peace Community Resources Society, and local businesses have informed the development of a formal complaint system and mitigation strategy by the association. Bourque emphasized the importance of fostering trust and improving relationships within the community, particularly with businesses facing challenges. Plans for a complaint framework focused on community safety and support for the unhoused are underway, with the draft set to be shared with the city upon completion.
Collaboration with the Dawson Creek Native Housing Society is also underway to secure additional housing options and comprehensive assistance for those in need, with the goal of addressing addiction and housing insecurity in the area. Bourque underscored the necessity for more services to tackle these issues, noting the scarcity of housing, mental health, and substance use support in the community compared to larger urban centers. Additionally, the Nawican Friendship Centre is seeking a temporary use permit to relocate the shelter, potentially increasing its capacity from 17 to 24 beds and alleviating community concerns.
Mayor Darcy Dober expressed gratitude for the association’s efforts in engaging with the community and implementing changes based on feedback received over the past six weeks. The ongoing collaboration between all stakeholders aims to enhance community well-being and address the pressing challenges faced by vulnerable populations in Dawson Creek.
