The Aboriginal Housing Management Association has become the new operational partner for the Nawican Friendship Centre and emergency homeless shelter in Dawson Creek. The Nawican Friendship Centre, a long-standing gathering place for urban Indigenous families and community members in Dawson Creek, has been in operation for over 50 years.
During a recent meeting with the city council, Association manager Stacey Bourque presented findings from a six-week assessment focusing on various community issues and concerns. Bourque emphasized the organization’s commitment to bridging gaps in care for vulnerable individuals, particularly those facing addiction challenges, while also addressing community feedback regarding public intoxication and substance misuse.
To enhance community safety and support for unhoused individuals, the association has engaged with multiple stakeholders, including the city, RCMP, Northern Health, South Peace Community Resources Society, and local business owners. Bourque highlighted the development of a formal complaint system and mitigation strategy aimed at fostering trust, improving community relationships, and addressing operational changes necessary for community well-being.
Plans are underway to collaborate with the Dawson Creek Native Housing Society to secure additional housing options for those in need, offering comprehensive support services and reducing homelessness. Bourque stressed the urgent need for more services to tackle addiction and housing insecurity in Dawson Creek, emphasizing the city’s lack of sufficient nonprofit organizations, housing options, and mental health/substance use support services.
In a bid to address community concerns and increase shelter capacity, the Nawican Friendship Centre is seeking a temporary use permit to relocate the shelter approximately 300 meters from its current site on 102 Avenue. This move aims to alleviate existing complaints while potentially expanding the shelter’s capacity from 17 to 24 beds.
Mayor Darcy Dober expressed gratitude for the collaborative efforts between the association and the city in addressing community needs and implementing positive changes based on community feedback. He acknowledged the association’s responsiveness to community input and its proactive approach to enhancing services and support for vulnerable populations in Dawson Creek.