Skip to content

Contingency packages for homeless and vulnerable distributed in Inuvik

0704CarePackages_#_
Mike Lee shows one of several care packages he put together for the Inuvik Homeless Shelter April 3. Lee assembled the packages from a variety of donors assembled through the Caremongering Inuvik Facebook group.
Mike Lee shows one of several care packages he put together for the Inuvik Homeless Shelter April 3. Lee assembled the packages from a variety of donors assembled through the Caremongering Inuvik Facebook group.

Donations to the Inuvik Relief Support Fund are showing dividends — so far the modest amount raised has allowed for the assembly of 23 care packages for vulnerable and homeless citizens who could potentially be displaced by COVID-19.

An undisclosed area in town has been designated for self-isolation units for the town's homeless in the event an outbreak hits the streets. But Caremongerer Mike Lee wanted to make sure there were some basic necessities available if someone needed them.

"There are plans and locations available to move residents if they needed isolation," he said. "But when they were to move, it would be nice to offer them a few essentials that are available at the shelters but not when they would move. Several options were discussed with the shelters, and this seemed to be in agreement as the best approach."

Each package contains two pairs of socks, a toothbrush and tube of toothpaste, a bar of soap and a sleeve of digestible cookies to keep allergens down. Regulators Corp also provided enough food vouchers so that every resident could exchange the voucher for a meal.

Regulators Brandon Villeneuve, Bruce Nokadlak, Michael Rilling and Tim Dukeshire practice social distancing with Northmat manager Kevin Giesberecht as they show off food vouchers being offered to locals in need March 26. A total of 175 vouchers are being distributed throughout Inuvik for a free sandswich, bottle of water and bag of chips.

Lee said he was in communication with Regulators Corp owner Jay St. Germaine about the next step, but the GoFundMe was still accepting donations for further assistance if it is needed.

He noted guidelines for how money raised through the campaign have now been posted to the page. Specifically the fund is designed to assist people who are not eligible for other funding options that are currently available.

"Unfortunately, there are still a lot of people who are still not eligible for any funding, and this is where we'd like to assist," said Lee. "Several people have reached out, and we have provided them with grocery care packages delivered to their home. This is to fill in gaps as needed, if we can, for as long as we can.

"It's important that nobody is forgotten in this time. We are all doing our best, to stay safe and healthy, but it's also good to help those around you who may need assistance."

Visit the GoFundMe here.



About the Author: Eric Bowling

Read more