Inuvik - The Inuvik Homeless Shelter is going strong and has a new person at the helm.

Edwin Amagonalok took over as manager last month and is busy familiarizing himself with his new tasks and duties.

Eddie Amagonalok is the new manager at the Inuvik Homeless Shelter. He took his position on Oct. 22. He said the shelter is operational for clients from 4 p.m. to 1 p.m. The shelter is funded by the Inuvik Native Band. - Dez Loreen/NNSL photo

Amagonalok has experience working as a social worker and is eager to start working with his co-workers.

"I'm a certified counsellor and I have my diploma in social work," he said.

Originally from Aklavik, Amagonalok said he wants to help his clients in any way he can.

He said he heard about the job when he was still working with the regional health and social services board.

"I knew about the place because I worked in the adjoining office here," he said.

His first task is to work through the existing paperwork and filing that was left by the former manager.

"I've been meeting with the staff, being introduced to clients, it's been busy," he said.

Reading through the policies and procedures and acquainting himself with the Inuvik Native Band is another of Amagonalok's duties.

"I've been meeting with Richard Nerysoo to discuss what we can do and what needs to be changed," he said.

The clients who use the shelter have been in and out since he started.

The clients are asked to leave at 1 p.m. and are allowed back in at 4 p.m.

Amagonalok said that he extends special privileges to the elderly residents of the home.

"I don't want them moving around too much, so we don't ask them to leave," he said.

"It's an exception we're making for them."

The shelter offers three meals a day for their clients as well as a reading and TV room.

The new manager also wants to work with his clients on their residential school payments.

"I'm talking with some people about their experiences and how they are today," he said.

"I try to make myself available for anyone who wants to talk."

Amagonalok said that he has been through the experiences at residential school and wants to help others heal.

"I want to hear from them and work with them, too," he said.

Keeping a trusting relationship with his clients is important to Amagonalok.

"I tell them, what happens here, stays here, it's always confidential," he said.