Already lacking a womenSA国际影视传媒檚 homeless shelter, Cambridge Bay is now without a womenSA国际影视传媒檚 crisis shelter, which has effectively been shut down for the summer due to a shortfall of funds.
The amount of money designated for the shelter through the Department of Family Services has remained static for years, yet costs to operate the facility have been rising, according to Marla Limousin, the communitySA国际影视传媒檚 senior administrative officer.
The decision was made to save expenses during summer months because many people go out on the land and demand for services is generally lower, said Limousin.
If there is a surprising surge in demand, the three-bedroom house that serves as a shelter could be reopened or if thereSA国际影视传媒檚 only a small number of women seeking sanctuary they could be sent to a shelter in Kugluktuk, Limousin suggested.
Don LeBlanc, KugluktukSA国际影视传媒檚 SAO, wouldnSA国际影视传媒檛 disclose the number of beds available for women in crisis in Kugluktuk, but he said: SA国际影视传媒淲e have somewhat of a capacity, but not that much.SA国际影视传媒�
Cambridge Bay has a menSA国际影视传媒檚 homeless shelter that was expanded to 16 beds from eight last year. It is at full capacity.
SA国际影视传媒淲omen will find their way with other women and family. TheySA国际影视传媒檒l fit in easier than a man fits in,SA国际影视传媒� said Limousin. SA国际影视传媒淭here are homeless women who are couch-surfing but itSA国际影视传媒檚 not as obvious an issue as it is with the men.SA国际影视传媒�
She added that a womenSA国际影视传媒檚 homeless shelter is SA国际影视传媒渟omething weSA国际影视传媒檙e working on,SA国际影视传媒� but itSA国际影视传媒檚 probably at least two years away from coming to fruition.
The hamlet will continue to offer supportive programming during the summer for those suffering from abuse, Limousin noted.
The one full-time shelter staff person will be reassigned to other duties, she added. There are also eight trained casual employees who work shifts when the shelter is operating.
One client was forced to leave when the crisis shelter closed earlier this month. She had been there for approximately 12 weeks. Normally clients are provided with a crisis-management plan and prepared to leave after 30 days, said Limousin.
The Department of Family Services has not respond to questions about the situation. Nor did the Qulliit Nunavut Status of Women Council. Nor did Cambridge Bay MLA Jeannie Ehaloak.
