Lighthouse supporters took part in a walk on 100 St. Friday. (Angela Brownl/battlefordsNOW staff)

By Angela Brown

Support for Lighthouse

Lighthouse supporters take to the streets to raise awareness

Mar 5, 2021 | 12:00 PM

Shouting “Save the Lighthouse,” and “Everyone needs a home,” a group of Lighthouse supporters took part in a peaceful walk Friday to increase awareness about the need to keep the service in the Battlefords.

The Lighthouse Supported Living announced last week they can no longer operate an emergency shelter program at the Battlefords location due to substantial funding changes. The facility is scheduled to close April 1.

Walk participants traveled from the Lighthouse, along 100 St., then to North Battleford City Hall on 101 St. This was the second day of walks with the group also planning more walks next week.

The Lighthouse Serving the Battlefords manager Judy Armstrong said a number of those who use the service also participated.

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“They are concerned they are going to lose their home,” she told battlefordsNOW. “They want people to be aware the Lighthouse is very much needed and it’s important.”

Armstrong said the awareness walk is to let people know it’s important to keep the doors open for those who access the emergency shelter, whether they are homeless, displaced or come into the city in need.

“We serve all kinds of people,” she said, adding sometimes victims of domestic abuse must use the Lighthouse when the women’s shelter is full.

“[They ask] can I come there?” Armstrong said. “Absolutely you can come here. We’ll keep you safe.”

The Lighthouse has a capacity of close to 40 people in need of shelter, and will not turn anyone away. It has 22 fulltime and part-time staff.

“We’re really hoping and praying our doors will stay open. We are so needed…,” Armstrong said. “To see it shut down would be devastating.”

Province responds

Battlefords MLA Jeremy Cockrill told battlefordsNOW he has been discussing concerns about the imminent closure of the local Lighthouse with Saskatchewan Social Services Minister Lori Carr.

“Certainly, there are discussions ongoing,” he said. “I speak with Minister Carr often, talking about the importance of these services, and the availability of them.”

Cockrill said the province recognizes the vital work that is done at the Lighthouse, to feed and house some of the most vulnerable people.

He noted the provincial government hasn’t cut any funding to the Lighthouse or other shelters in the province.

“We continue to provide funding specifically to the Lighthouse on a per diem basis for eligible clients, and as well as for some longer term income-assistance clients in our community,” Cockrill said.

Saskatchewan Ministry of Social Services Income Assistance Service Delivery executive director Jeff Redekop said in a statement to battlefordsNOW the province’s funding to the Lighthouse increased in the past year due to the pandemic.

“The Ministry of Social Services has not stopped provincial funding to North Battleford Lighthouse. In fact, provincial funds have increased with additional funding in April and then again in November to offset extra expenses related to COVID-19,” he said.

Redekop said they have met with the North Battleford Lighthouse emergency shelter representatives since they learned of changes to the Lighthouse’s core funding.

“We continue to work with the North Battleford Lighthouse emergency shelter and other partners in the community to support income assistance clients. We are also continuing to provide income assistance benefits for per diems to emergency shelter for individuals in need,” Redekop said.

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angela.brown@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @battlefordsNOW