KENORA – Due to a unique partnership between the Kenora District Service Board (KDSB), the Canadian Mental Health Association Kenora (CMHAK), and All Nations Health Partners, the Kenora Emergency Shelter will be extending its hours for those in need of the service.
“Canadian Mental Health Association is pleased to be able to support additional operating hours for vulnerable individuals in the community. With the investment provided by Kenora service providers, it is an easy decision to increase operational capacity to best support the fundamental needs of our clients. Our organization is actively recruiting to provide staffing for the additional hours,” said Sara Dias, CEO of CMHAK.
Operated by the CMHAK, the shelter will be open four more hours – from 4 p.m. to 8 a.m. daily starting in October. The shelter provides daily meal provisions, morning and night, and coordinated program delivery.
“The community and vulnerable people require extended service hours to close the current operational gap in Kenora. Through this unique and progressive partnership, health and human services partners are working together to improve outcomes for vulnerable people and community well-being,” said Henry Wall, CAO of KDSB.
“Thank you to All Nations Health Partners and Sunset Country Family Health Team for coming together to help us ensure that this vital piece could happen. I also want to thank existing service providers who provide the space, programming, and support for those in need.”
The Clinical Service Hub will still operate from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. to provide individuals with a safe place to be during the winter. The Kenora Emergency Shelter provides an extra benefit for those to stay warm in the evenings.
“We are very appreciative to the Canadian Mental Health Association, Kenora Branch for their commitment to their work and the capacity to take on additional hours through the Kenora Emergency Shelter operations,” said Cheryl O’Flaherty, Co-Chair of the ANHP.
“This is a true collaboration that would not have been possible without the organizations that make up the All Nations Health Partners, and their dedication to ensuring all in the community are supported in the best way possible.”
