A homeless shelter in Halifax believes the impending shutdown of the Mi’kmaw Native Friendship Centre (MNFC) could have potentially deadly consequences.
Out of the Cold is throwing its support behind workers at the centre and people who use it.
“At a time when every shelter in Kjipuktuk is consistently at capacity, shelter workers have no choice but to turn away folks who have no other safe housing or sheltering options. With no other shelter options dedicated to supporting unhoused urban Indigenous Peoples, OTC staff cannot begin to understand why the MNFC management is laying off about 20 staff, while simultaneously taking away 40 beds from unhoused folks who will now likely be forced to sleep outside.” Out of the Cold Community Association
Leadership at the friendship centre say they are closing because they haven’t secured new funding and need to refocus their programming.
The centre opened last year and employs about 20 people. However, they were given layoff notices earlier this month.
Workers believe the upcoming closure is a result of their recent attempt to unionize.
Meantime, the province is setting the recording straight surrounding funding for the friendship centre.
L’nu Affairs and Community Services Minister Karla MacFarlane explains government has not pulled, stopped or denied funding to the emergency shelter on North Park Street. She goes on to say the province will continue to fund the shelter.
“The Province approved $850,000 in funding to the Mi’kmaw Native Friendship Centre for emergency shelter placements until May 31, 2022, at which time the new Diamond Bailey House will open and Indigenous clients will transition. Recently, we announced $1.6 million for the Mi’kmaw Native Friendship Centre to operate the Diamond Bailey House. An additional $76,000 will be provided in the first year for start-up costs.” – Karla MacFarlane
In an email, the province indicates it’s working with the Mi’kmaw centre to revamp its programming.
