The Prince Albert Grand Council (PAGC) is helping to make sure people aren’t left out in the cold.
The tribal council along with some of their community partners has opened up Parkland Hall in the West Flat neighborhood of Prince Albert as a shelter for those in need.
Geoff Despins, director of PAGC Urban Services explained they are opening up the building after seeing what is going on with other shelters in the city. Specifically the YWCA’s Stepping Stones Shelter at the exhibition grounds.
“The capacity at Stepping Stones was over the limit, so we decided, our executive of P.A. Grand council decided and myself and a few other staff members decided to open up Parkland Hall,” he said.
Despins said the Parkland Hall shelter opened its doors for the first time Monday night. He said seven people stayed in the building. He added they could accommodate up to 15 people at the hall if needed and will be going for the next bit.
“We’ll open it up for a couple weeks,” he said.
PAGC is also accepting clothing donations. Despins said anyone interested in helping out on this front can contact them at 306 765 5300. He explained many people who are coming off the streets are often doing so in wet clothing and they would like to provide them with some clothing.
“To make sure people walk out of there a little warmer than when they came in,” he said.
(Facebook Community Cares Kitchen. Staff prepare the shelter at Parkland Hall)