INUVIK
The Inuvik Homeless Shelter is short on the help it needs to help others. The shortfall in donations at the shelter is being blamed on increased competition from other worthy causes and a slow economy.

Residents and staff of the Inuvik Homeless Shelter appreciate any donations they can get. In back are Marcel Raymond, left, Clarence Kitli Sr., Laura Arey, Archie Inglangasuk and Doreen Jerome. In front are Foster Allen, left, Fred Arey and Richard Tardiff Jr. - Stewart Burnett/NNSL photo

"I believe that a lot of the donations that we used to see and receive on a regular basis (have) pretty much moved over (to the warming centre)," said Christina Kasook, manager of the shelter.

"Maybe they feel they're more in need. Even if they were to give half and half, we wouldn't be hurting as much."

She had just come out of the shelter's annual general meeting, where though it appeared the shelter was still in a good position, the need for more donations and help was clear.

Right now, Kasook takes on every odd job she can, from soliciting donations to repairing broken appliances inside the shelter. Beyond donations of items and goods, she is hoping for donation of services to help maintain the building.

"It could be anything from clothing to food, (it) doesn't need to be new," she said. "They're not fussy here. Everything in here is second-hand and things fall apart, things get broken. They need repairs just to keep it up to living standards for everybody to feel comfortable and for them to feel proud of their home."

Staff and the residents keep up the maintenance as well as they can, but certified carpenters to fix some of the bed frames, flooring and cupboards would be a big help.

Kasook is also trying to raise money to buy a motorized wheelchair for one resident.

Inside the shelter, which is a dry zone, residents often hang out in the TV room.

Marcel Raymond, one of the current residents, said he appreciated the shelter for filling a need in the community.

"I'm grateful for the shelters that are open," he said.

Richard Tardiff Jr. said the shelter has helped him in many ways, steering him to think about his life goals.

"They're already in a situation where they don't need to be knocked down any further and even to see the smallest donation of clothes that come through the door, it's like Christmas for them," said Kasook.

"They're excited, they feel good, they're happy, they're proud even for second-hand stuff. It's just to build up their self-esteem, their confidence."

It's good for them to know people in the community care about them, she said.

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