Since opening earlier this year, the John Howard Society’s Willow Lodge Emergency Shelter has supported nearly 80 people by providing a low-barrier location for those who need a place to stay overnight.
Willow Lodge opened on Jan. 22 at 83 Ominica Street West in the former SaskTel office and provides emergency shelter services to men and women between 8 p.m. and 8 a.m. Furthermore, referrals from the government and other community agencies assist people by connecting them to the supports they need to transition to safe and stable housing.
The Ministry of Social Services provided the John Howard Society (JHS) with $124,400 to establish the shelter, with the funding part of the ministry’s Provincial Approach to Homeless program that it announced in October 2023.
In a news release, the JHS said it believes the 15-bed shelter has had a positive effect on the community by giving in-need residents access to temporary housing, while the shelter’s team of employees has also offered residents valuable support during their stay.
Since opening, Willow Lodge has provided emergency shelter and support services to 77 unique clients and served 961 total clients while it has operated at 94-per-cent capacity, which JHS says shows a need for an accessible emergency shelter in Moose Jaw.
A skilled and dedicated team of JHS employees supports the Willow Lodge Emergency Shelter, with staff bringing expertise and experience to their support roles, the JHS said. Moreover, program employees collectively believe that everyone in Moose Jaw deserves a safe place to sleep at night.
Willow Lodge meets guests where they are and assists them in addressing their immediate needs of shelter and warmth in a safe, clean and welcoming environment, the organization added.
“I am so proud of the Willow Lodge team and all of our guests,” said manager Crystal Peterson. “In such a short time, we have created a welcoming space with and for our most vulnerable community members.
“At the end of the day, we want to ensure everyone in Moose Jaw has a place to sleep where they can feel safe and be met with kindness.”
One guest at Willow Lodge highlighted the kindness they received when asked about their experience with the program.
“Staff are very kind and compassionate, and they do not judge,” the client said. “Willow Lodge has taught me to look at life with a better perspective.”
Crystal Harvey, the assistant program co-ordinator, says staff want to build positive relationships with residents, organizations, and businesses, although individuals, organizations and groups have already provided immense support.
“Moose Jaw Families for Change, Zion Church, Hunger in Moose Jaw, and South Hill Fine Foods have all provided us with meals and snacks to feed our guests. Square One Community Inc. provided Willow Lodge with a washer and dryer so guests can clean their laundry for free,” Harvey said.
“Students at Sacred Heart and Vanier made blankets for our guests (and provided) snacks. Moose Jaw Food Bank has stocked us up with personal hygiene products. Moose Jaw Public Health provided us with health products,” she continued. “So many community members have provided us with generous donations to help make guests stay comfortable.”
Willow Lodge accepts donations every Tuesday between 4 and 6 p.m., and while it gratefully accepts all donations, it particularly needs juice boxes, new men’s and women’s socks and underwear, soft granola bars and other snacks, gently used clean T-shirts, pyjama pants and loungewear, toothbrushes, toothpaste, deodorant and brushes and combs.
For more information, visit sk.johnhoward.ca.
