June 22-News Brief

Good Morning, it’s Wednesday June 22nd. I’m Karim Mosna with your daily news brief. In the news…

Tipi Moza opened its new transitional housing project at 113 Lower Union Street yesterday.At full occupancy the project will house 19 indigenous community members. 

Executive Director of Tipi Moza, Winnie Peters says, “That’s pretty big when you consider the amount of people who are homeless, that’s going to give them a safe place to call home, food security and a chance to get back on the right path.”

Peters says a lot of people who struggle with homelessness have mental illness and addictions. According to Peters there are support workers on staff who will work with the clients daily, and the organization is trying to deliver more culturally appropriate programming such as learning languages, beading and crafting.

Kingston and the Islands MPP Ted Hsu says, “The supportive, culturally appropriate housing will help pass on culture and not pass on the trauma from previous generations to a future generation.”

With declining demand for PCR COVID-19 testing, The Beechgrove COVID-19 Assessment Centre is reducing their hours for the summer. As of July 1st, the centre will be open Monday to Friday from 9am to 4pm, and will be closed on weekends and statutory holidays. According to a release from the Kingston Health Sciences Centres the change in hours allows the assessment centre to maintain current testing while conserving its resources over the summer. PCR testing on weekends will continue to be available at some local pharmacies. 

This Saturday at the Calvin Park Branch of the Kingston Frontenac Public Library, youth who have recently immigrated to Canada will share their stories. The event: Let’s Chat: Conversations with Newcomer youth will offer opportunities for the community to have one-on-one discussions with the youth from Immigrant Services Kingston and Area.

Acting Manager of Programming and Outreach with the KFPL, Kristen LeMay says, “It’s important to listen to these types of stories so we can create empathy within our community.” 

The event runs from 2-4 this Saturday afternoon.

That’s all for your daily news brief, I’m Karim Mosna. If you have any news tips, email me: [email protected]

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