The Waskaa'igan Neegan overnight drop-in centre at Under One Roof on 37 - 3rd Ave. Northwest in Dauphin has been running for just more than a week in Dauphin and there has been great reception.
The centre provides a warm and safe environment for people who experience homelessness and it's open from 8 p.m. to 7:30 a.m. Over the past week, anywhere from 15 to 25 individuals per night are using the drop-in centre for shelter as temperatures continue to dip into the 30s overnight.
Frances Chartrand with the Northwest Métis Council says there were many factors that went into opening the centre in conjunction with the Housing First Program.
"We would see our people getting into trouble back when the jail was here so they could go to a warm space," said Chartrand. "They would injure themselves so they could go to the hospital, it's a harsh reality that there are people in our community that have no home. We are very happy to be able to provide this for the homeless in our city."
While there are no beds in the drop-in centre, there are many amenities including chairs and a television. Snacks and hot beverages are also offered.
"This is a safe place for the homeless to go to get away from any violence and the cold," said Chartrand. "Also the harsh reality of not having a home."
Chartrand says there is full-time security on site, and they have also hired outreach workers that will be there to assist anyone that needs it.
