NIPAWIN – At the Nov. 9 Nipawin Council meeting, the Nipawin Oasis Centre requested $20,000 to help deliver their programs to those in need. Nipawin council approved a donation of $15,000 to the cause.
The Nipawin Oasis is a community resource centre that provides cultural, prevention, educational, and intervention programming, services, support and employment opportunities to the community of Nipawin and area in the Northeast.
Approximately 200 individuals use the centre weekly. Executive Director Joy Hanson said in her letter to council, “Our charity is committed to helping our community, but we need the town’s assistance to ensure that no one is left out in the cold.”
The Nipawin Oasis Centre requested financial help to assist with increased costs of operating their warm-up shelter and providing essential support and services to the community.
In the 2023-2024 Nipawin Oasis Centre annual report there are 193 people and 45 families who are homeless or couch surfing in the Nipawin area.
Hanson said in the letter to council, “We have operated the warm-up shelter at the basement of the Oasis since Oct. 23, from 8 p.m. to 8 a.m., and in just 37 nights, we have served 64 unique individuals for a total of 412 people.”
Hanson said that these services have already made a measurable impact on those facing homelessness.
Marlon Zacharias, Mayor of Nipawin said, “Our council supports the work that the Oasis continues to do in our community for those people who are struggling with various life situations. We know that helping some of the most vulnerable people within our community is a real concern, especially with the recent cold snap. We applaud the work that the Oasis has done to expand their services to offer a warm-up facility.”
Hanson said, “We acknowledge the need and importance of core funding, support from the Town of Nipawin, and property tax relief to sustain our operations and continue serving the community effectively. As we face future challenges, including the growing need in our community, we remain committed to our mission, vision, values and grateful for the trust and support of our participants, funders, volunteers, and donors.”
“While our current surplus can cover short-term needs, long-term sustainability requires exploring alternative funding sources. We acknowledge the need and importance of core funding, support from the Town of Nipawin, and property tax relief to sustain our operations and continue serving the community effectively. As we face future challenges, including the growing need in our community.”
The Nipawin Oasis owns seven supportive housing homes for chronically homeless families.
