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Frequently Asked Questions
Here is a list of FAQs to keep everyone up-to-date on the facts of our project and programming. Please feel free to contact us directly with any questions. We thank you for your continued support on this important project for our community.
FAQs Updated September 26th, 2023
1. Where is the Square One Community Centre Space? William Milne Place (136 & 138 Fairford St. W.) has been owned by the Moose Jaw Non-Profit Housing Corporation (MJNPHC) since 1989. In March 2023, Square One Community became a tenant in William Milne Place within the 1400 sq ft of commercial space on the southwest portion of the main floor. Under this partnership, MJNPHC retains ownership of the whole property and continues to operate their supportive housing initiative in the apartments of
William Milne Place.
2. What is needed for Square One Community Centre to become operational? Opening a safe and professionally supported warming space for daytime hours for one season alone costs in excess 100K. While community support has provided a space for the center, further operational funding is still required to advance this project. To date, adequate funds have not been secured to open responsibly. In the interim, Square One Community is working to secure funding and is meeting with key stakeholders to create a coordinated effort to address the needs of those without shelter during the upcoming cold weather season.
3. What was the purpose of the Point in Time Count (PiT)? In August 2023, under the exceptional leadership of PiT Count coordinator Desiree Lalonde, Square One Community completed the Point in Time Count for our community. The data is currently being compiled, and the final report is expected to be released by the end of October. The PiT Count data will enable Square One Community to determine informed next steps, apply for sustainable funding, and collaborate with community agencies to better servethose who are housing insecure.
4. What are Square One Community's Goals and Mission? During the Summer of 2023, the Square One Board underwent a guided facilitation process to establish short-, mid-, and long-term goals, with a clear intent to integrate the findings from the Point in Time (PiT) Count once they are tabulated. With these goals in sight, Square One Community is dedicated to our newly formed mission of “helping adults who are housing insecure by building, coordinating, and strengthening the continuum of support in collaboration with the community at large.” The results of the PiT count will guide our goals.
5. What are the levels of Government doing about the issue of homelessness? Square One Community is actively engaged in local,
provincial, and federal communications in an effort to secure funding and support for this initiative. The need for supportive housing extends beyond our locality and is a national issue. We encourage community members to reach out to the local City Council, MLA’s and MP, and advocate for supportive housing funding support options for the City of Moose Jaw.
6. How can you help? Square One Community continues fundraising efforts to support unhoused individuals and advance our mission.
Upcoming fundraising initiatives include:
For more information on supporting these initiatives, and to become
a part of the solution for those who are unhoused, please visit our Square One
Community Events page.
We appreciate your support and commitment to our mission. Together, we can make a meaningful impact on homelessness and housing insecurity in our community.
"Small Things"
Fundraiser hosted by The Light Yoga Studio on Nov. 19th.
Donation Houses
Located throughout the community - currently found at Moose Jaw Cultural Centre, TJ’s Pizza, and the Kinsmen Café.
Empty Bowls event on November 17th at St. Andrew’s United Church
Raffle Tickets
“Home for the Holidays” Raffle, with the drawing to be held at the Empty Bowls Event.
Stronger Together Initiative in partnership with local Metal Artists, Bill and Laurette Keen.
“Walk for Warmth” fundraiser in the New Year.
Working Together
Square One Community Inc.
Board Chair
Della Ferguson
"We have worked passionately for the past two years to
advocate for additional supports for those who are
unhoused in our community. It is only through the
connections, collaborations, and communications within our community, the partnership with The Moose Jaw Non-Profit Housing Corporation, and the support of the Saskatchewan Housing Corporation that we are able to make this milestone step forward.," Square One Community Board Chair, Della Ferguson said. "We are committed to providing wrap-around support through programming to meet the greater needs of our community."
The Moose Jaw Non-Profit Housing Corporation Board Chair
Brenda Walper-Bossence, K.C
“The Moose Jaw Non-Profit Housing Corporation is proud to partner with Square One at William Milne Place. This means we are now able to provide housing options to those who are houseless. Providing transitional housing for those who are at the beginning of the housing continuum with an after-hours drop-in centre, emergency women’s shelter and supportive housing all under one roof." The Moose Jaw Non-Profit Housing Corporation Board Chair, Brenda Walper-Bossence, K.C said. "Success will require continued support from all levels of government, and our local community. We are calling on
all donors and future donors who have a heart for those that require this service to give to this new venture.”