By Greg Higgins

Lighthouse could burn out

Aug 16, 2016 | 5:00 PM

The fuel seems to be burning out for an organization that helps feed and shelter the homeless and if it does there isn’t much of an alternative.

The Lighthouse Serving the Battlefords has been in financial strain for months and seems to have met a breaking point. According to Herb Sutton, community safety coordinator, if funding isn’t figured out by the end of August they may have to shut down.

“We’re very anxious to find out if there will be funding from Social Services. If they don’t get it then it will put the Lighthouse in a very difficult situation in terms of sustainability for the future. As a community we’d have to look at some other alternatives,” Sutton said.

According to Sutton, the Lighthouse shutting down would be the worst case scenario. He said the old model may have to be used in which the Friendship Centre offered shelter for evenings and overnights.

Sutton said the goal would be for the Lighthouse to be open 24 hours a day, every day of the year but the lack of funding has reduced the hours of operation. Currently doors open at 5 p.m. to serve dinner and provide shelter overnight. Breakfast is served in the morning but everyone using the facilities must exit by 8 a.m.

NB council

City approves new land sale on Buhler Bay

5m ago

Sharing memories

North Stars reflect on one-year anniversary of 2023 championship

17h ago

Three days of action

Kinsmen Rodeo ready to kick off in North Battleford

20h ago

Sutton believes the reduced hours have contributed to the drop in food donations.

“I think when people go out and shop during the day they would come by the Lighthouse and drop off some extra food. People can’t do that if they are closed,” Sutton said.

The Lighthouse won’t turn anyone away so when they don’t get enough food donations, costs come out of whatever money is saved up. The Shelter is giving out more help than it can manage with received funds; a practice Sutton doesn’t believe is sustainable.

According to Sutton, of the 450 people served by the Lighthouse in July, only 24 were covered by social services and three by surrounding First Nations. The other 423 stays came out of the Lighthouse’s pocket.

Lighthouse staff was unavailable for comment.

Greg Higgins is battlefordsNOW’s city municipal affairs and health reporter. He can be reached at ghiggins@jpbg.ca or tweet him @realgreghiggins.