The Kikinahk Friendship Centre in La Ronge is receiving a $97,600 investment from the provincial government to keep 10 of their emergency shelter spaces in operation.

The Friendship Centre offers recreational, community and social welfare programs, serving the surrounding communities of La Ronge, Air Ronge and Lac La Ronge Indian Band.

The Centre’s Scattered Sites homeless shelter offers 23 shelter beds and is open from October to April each year. This funding aims to allow Scattered Sites to continue to operate 10 of them until March 31 of this year.

Kikinahk Friendship Centre Executive Director Ron Woytowich says last fiscal year, the Centre assisted over 202 individuals. He adds that there continues to be an increased need for services and supports in the community, and this funding will help to keep more people connected to services this winter.

The funding is part of the Provincial Approach to Homelessness, announced in October 2023.