Atlohsa Family Healing Services announces new location for Indigenous-led winter response for Indigenous people experiencing homelessness

LONDON – Atlohsa Family Healing Services is excited to announce the new location for the Indigenous-led winter response for homelessness. In partnership with the City of London and St. Joseph’s Health Care London, Atlohsa will be operating a temporary shelter site for Indigenous people experiencing homelessness on the grounds at Parkwood Institute with land backing onto Westminster Ponds.

“Stemming from Atlohsa’s partnership with St. Joseph’s Health Care London for the Biigajiiskaan Indigenous Mental Wellness program, we are very excited to be able to offer an Indigenous-led winter response in a safe location that meets the needs of our community members and staff,” said Raymond Deleary, Executive Director of Atlohsa Family Healing Services. “We have been overwhelmed with positive community response following the fire at River Rd, and we extend our gratitude to those who have reached out with offers of support. Prior to colonization, there was a place in our communities for everyone. The support we have received from St. Joseph’s and the wider London community reminds us of our shared values of kindness, respect and inclusivity.”

“St. Joseph’s is honoured to be working with Atlohsa Family Healing Services, the Indigenous community and the City of London to provide a location at Parkwood Institute for a temporary Indigenous-led winter shelter.  We need to work together to find meaningful solutions that address homelessness in our community and we are thankful to be able to support this urgent need,” said Roy Butler, President and CEO, St. Joseph’s Health Care London

“The loss of River Road Golf Course as an option for an Indigenous-led temporary shelter was very difficult. The generosity of St. Joseph’s Health Care London and the hard work and dedication of Atlohsa Family Healing Services have made it possible to quickly secure a new and appropriate location to meet an urgent need in this community,” says Kevin Dickins, Deputy City Manager, Social and Health Development at the City of London. “The Indigenous-led temporary shelter site is a critical part of our winter response. We will continue to work closely with Atlohsa and are committed to supporting them as they deliver this important service this winter.”

Atlohsa Family Healing Services is a non-profit, charitable organization, dedicated to strengthening community through Indigenous-led programs and services that offer holistic healing and wellness. Atlohsa has been serving individuals and families across Southwestern Ontario since 1986, providing low-barrier wraparound services to community members with complex needs, including mental wellness, substance use, homelessness, domestic violence, and trauma. We specialize in providing strengths-based healing and wellness supports, utilizing trauma-informed and harm reduction approaches.

For more information or to donate, visit www.Atlohsa.com

-30-

Contact: 

Andrea Jibb, Director of Community Planning
Atlohsa Family Healing Services
E-mail:giwetashkad@atlohsa.com
Telephone: 519-318-3803