THUNDER BAY - Two worlds are coming together this week, as vulnerable members of the community invite the general public into their home.
Thunder Bay Shelter House is holding a series of open houses to show the public some of the programming it offers and to eliminate misconceptions about homelessness in Thunder Bay.
Gary Mack, executive director with Shelter House, said homeless people are often ostracized by the general public and initiatives like the open house, as well as the street fair held earlier this summer, are ways of bridging the divide between these two segments of the population.
“This gives us an opportunity to bring two worlds together so the greater community can come and meet our community,” Mack said. “I think when you get to actually see people in their environment and get to know them, you’ll see that anyone of us could end up homeless. This could happen to anybody. These people are really deserving of our kindness and compassion.”
According to Mack, Shelter House has seen a lot of changes recently, from the programming offered to the physical space inside the building.
Elders, Indigenous teachings, arts and crafts, and culinary programs are offered at the facility in the downtown south side. Takwana Nhau, development officer at Shelter House, said some programming they provide helps clients give back to their own community and the community at large.
A popular program involves clients making and serving lunch to people who utilize Shelter House services.
“They have fun doing it, they love it,” Nhau said. “And you’re tapping into people’s skills, rather than them feeling hopeless about being at the shelter. They are giving back and remembering what they are capable of. That is one way for them to be productive and feel successful.”
Laren Wesley, who has utilized Shelter House services for the past three years, said he enjoys making meals and helping out around the facility.
Wesley added that he feels really comfortable at the Shelter House, which is due in part to the changes made to the building, including a full length Mural of Hope on the wall.
"Things have definitely changed a lot around here,” he said. “Just the mural, waking up and seeing that every day, just wow.”
Nhau said there are still a lot of misconceptions about the Shelter House and she is hoping that the open houses will create change in how the public sees what is such an essential service.
“I find that people sometimes think that this is a dangerous place,” she said. “I’ve been here for awhile and I’ve never felt that. It’s not an unsafe place, it’s not a dangerous place.”
Mack added that the residents are just as excited to show off the Shelter House to the public.
“I think they are excited because they are proud of this place,” he said. “I think we saw that a lot with our street party this summer that that opportunity to tie back to the community and engage with the community is really missing for them.”
Joyce Yanishewski, a minister with St. Andrew Presbyterian Church, attended the open house Monday afternoon and she said she wanted to learn more about Shelter House and what services it offers.
“Anytime you can become more knowledgeable and informed about your community, I think it’s important to have that information,” she said. “I think giving people dignity and purpose is important any anytime you take care of a place as they are doing here and trying to improve things adds to that dignity.”
Open houses will be held on Wednesday from 1:30-2:30 p.m. and from 7-8 p.m. and on Saturday afternoon from 1:30-2:30 p.m.
“I hope that [the public] will see the humanity of the people who live here,” Nhau said. “They can support us in just spreading that message of people trying. There are people here who are really trying and just down on their luck a little bit.”
Nhau added that the Shelter House is always looking for support, whether it’s volunteers or donations, but she hopes the open houses will create another form of support from the community.
“If we just have people surrounding us with love, that will go so far for us,” she said.
