A critical resource for Prince Albert's homeless community has closed its doors. (Facebook/Legacy of Moose Lodge Wellness Centre & Community Cares Kitchen)

By Nigel Maxwell

Poverty challenges

PAGC responds to closure of homeless kitchen, cites funding issues

Aug 2, 2023 | 5:00 PM

In the words of Prince Albert Grand Council’s Executive Director, caring for the homeless is a challenging situation.

Al Ducharme said the decision to shut down the Community Cares Kitchen, which has been operating for about two years, is due to a lack of funding. Ducharme explained that during COVID the kitchen secured funding for a number of services to assist the homeless, including Moose Lodge.

“But that funding during COVID did dry up. In fact, it dried up six months ago,” he said.

Fortunately Prince Albert Grand Council (PAGC) was able to find other means to keep it going.

“At some point you know you just can’t keep it going until you find some stable funding and we haven’t been able to find that stable funding,” Ducharme explained.

Raiders win 5-3

Defensive scoring leads Raiders over Wheat Kings

20m ago

GST Holiday

Federal government's two-month GST holiday begins

16h ago

Imminent need

Council set to discuss possible location for homeless shelter on 15th Street

21h ago

Many lasting frienships were created at Moose Lodge. (Facebook/Legacy of Moose Lodge Wellness Centre & Community Cares Kitchen)

PAGC Urban Services’ Community Cares Kitchen served meals two times a day to its most vulnerable members in Prince Albert. Noting his own hope they can re-open again some day, Ducharme confirmed they are not giving up their search for stable funding. He also acknowledged the hard work and support of other service groups in the city such as the Salvation Army and YWCA.

“We are all dedicated and committed and so I’m sure one way or another we’ll find a way to serve the needs of our people right away and for the long term too,” he said.

Some of the discussions include a long term homeless shelter in Prince Albert, and has involved talks with Saskatoon Tribal Council which runs a similar shelter in Saskatoon. Noting the obvious needs to secure funding, Ducharme explained a second part of the equation involves finding a place that’s accepted by people who live or have businesses nearby.

“We’ve had a number of places that we’ve suggested here in the City of Prince Albert but none have been able to work out,” he said.

According to a statement Wednesday from, PAGC, the leadership will remain unwavering in its efforts to secure a permanent solution for the community, even in the face of closure.

“This setback pains us, but it strengthens our resolve. This isn’t just about temporary measures; this is about building lasting bridges that elevates our community’s most vulnerable members. Our mission continues, and we call upon everyone to stand with us in constructing a compassionate and resilient community where everyone belongs,” said Grand Chief Hardlotte.

—

nigel.maxwell@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @nigelmaxwell