Glen Vienneau
Northern News Services

Yellowknife (Aug 04/00) - A recently opened bush camp for the homeless is now benefiting from fund-raising efforts aimed at making it a more self-sufficient operation.

Run by the non-profit NWT Peacemakers Society the camp is located about 24 kilometres west of Yellowknife on Highway 3.

Setting up the camp began last summer with funding raised by Chris Green and Ernie Glowach, who both worked at Yellowknife's Home for the Homeless shelter which closed last spring.

Despite their small income, the men have poured money into items such as lumber, two wood stoves and generators.

They spend much of their spare time at the site which started with three tents loaned from Resources, Wildlife and Economic Development.

In addition to the two outhouses, the site now has three cabins that they're currently renovating to accommodate up to 30 people.

Another shelter for men, the Salvation Army takes in an average of 17 people a night.

"About 10 years ago, I decided to do something like this," said Glowach, adding this is the third society he has formed.

So far, the camp has given a home to six homeless people with limited resources since it opened. Four of these people have since moved on after finding jobs.

"It's going to take five, 10 or 15 years to do all the things we want to do. It's a big project we're working on," said Green.

Eventually, the plan is to build a two-story building with a kitchen, meeting/living room and arts and crafts area with bedrooms on the top floor.

The group also has plans for a young offender camp and a treatment centre for alcohol and drug users.

Unlike other treatment centres, Green and Glowach will not impose a time limitation for addicts to complete rehabilitation, said Green.

Addicts will also have follow-up support and access to traditional healing which will include a sweat lodge.

"A lot of these treatment programs were very good, but there is nothing after -- that's where they're lacking," said Green.

The pair also intends to help the homeless residents with resumes as well as drive them to job interviews.

"Anyway we can support them and help them feel better about themselves and get their lives back on track," said Green.

The society hopes to eventually become self-sufficient through the sales of carvings and crafts that will be made by the residents.

"Eventually, I would like to see us go totally self-supportive without any handouts from the government or anybody," said Green.

"This way there's no strings attached, there's nobody telling us who can stay in the camp and who can't stay in the camp. It's open to everybody that needs it," he added.

Glowach said the society is also looking for new members and volunteers.