The Kenora Fellowship Centre (Anamiewigummig) is facing a funding crisis, says a representative from the centre, which could threaten its 40-year existence. Grants from the federal government totaling $125,000 have been cut, meaning the winter hostel would likely have to close, and the 80 to 90 homeless who seek the centre's warmth would be left in the cold.
Currently, the centre is the only homeless shelter in the city of 15,000, serving 77 First Nation communities. About 12 to 15 people spend the night at the shelter, where an average of 40 hot meals are served daily. "If the centre is forced to close, we would show by our actions a total lack of compassion and commitment," said board chairman, Bob Wyber, in a memo.
For the last five years, Human Resources and Skills Development Canada have provided funding. But a new initiative to support strictly native organizations has changed the way this support is handed out. Since there is a native friendship centre in Kenora, the money is being funneled there.
"I believe the hostel portion of the operation is the responsibility of government or the community at large," said Wyber. "I also believe the Presbyterian Church in Canada has an important role to play."
Kenora is one of five aboriginal missions supported by Canada Ministries. The $500,000 healing and reconciliation fund developed in response to the residential schools healing initiative, is not used to support these ministries — something that frustrates those involved in projects like Kenora. This was a source of some debate at General Assembly.
The church helps fund its native ministries through Presbyterians Sharing. A full grant is given to support the centre's director — in this case, Henry Hildebrandt. As stipend levels for ministers increase, so do the stipends for directors. Canada Ministries also helps with repairs to the manse and other buildings.
Gordon Haynes, associate secretary for Canada Ministries, said, "Funding for our five native ministries has gone up by about half in the last five years — from about $316,000 in 2001 to just over $450,000 in 2006." He said it is the department's second largest expense, next to new church developments. It includes a new ministry in Edmonton and two missions in Winnipeg.
Wyber said the community supports the soup kitchen, but money for staff and utilities is still needed. He said while the centre could continue to offer meals during the daytime without financing for the hostel operation, it would still leave a shortfall of approximately $9,000. He said both the community and the church have to accept responsibility.
"I think we do have an important role to play," said Haynes. "We think aboriginal ministries are a priority and we're involved in that." He said if givings to Presbyterians Sharing increased, the church would be able to direct more funds to native ministries. – DH
