Despite concerns, Kenora shelter makes easy transition to new home

After a long struggle to find a new home, clients, staff and even neighbours are offering positive feedback about the new downtown location of the homeless shelter in Kenora, Ont., says the head of the Ne-Chee Friendship Centre.

The shelter moved into the basement of the Northwestern Health Unit in October.

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"It's coming along very nicely," said Patti Fairfield, the executive director of Ne-Chee, which runs the shelter.

"Before the shelter opened there was concerns about the shelter opening in [the downtown] area," she said, "but since then ... we've had some really positive feedback."

Some people haven't even noticed the change, she added.

"I know Kenora District Services Board got a call asking when the shelter was actually opening, meanwhile it had already been in operation," she said,"so it's very good to hear."

Fairfield said renovations to make the basement space serve the shelter's needs are nearly complete.

Unlike the temporary space it occupied through the summer, the new location has separate sleeping areas for men and women, washers and dryers, and two washrooms with shower facilities.

Patrons seem "quite comfortable there," she said.

The shelter will be able to stay in the Northwestern Health Unit for two years, Fairfield said.