Historic building to continue serving community in new way
The Merchant Hotel at 383 Eveline Street in Selkirk has provided space for many different ventures, including a bank, barber shop, pool room, and a hotel since the building was built in 1904. This year, the space will take on its next chapter, providing transitional and supportive housing for women and children leaving domestic or family violence, as well as individuals experiencing homelessness or housing instability.
“Nova House, the current building that we’re in, and the services that we provide, have been 24-hour emergency services. We are transitioning into short-term, long-term housing, and that is our focus,” said Viktoria Westgate, the Executive Director of Nova House.
She wanted to make sure that everyone knows that this is a change, but that Nova House is remaining open. They still believe emergency services are critical, but what they are seeing time and time again is that people leaving violence or experiencing homelessness need stable housing and support beyond the immediate crisis. This move to transitional housing allows them to walk alongside individuals and families as they rebuild their lives.
“We will not be operating a 24-hour emergency shelter anymore. Another organization is going to come into the building that we are currently in to provide those services so there’s no gap. We have purchased 383 Eveline Street, and our plan for that building is relocating our Twice Over Thrift Store to the main floor and operating the second and third floor apartments as supportive housing units for individuals facing homelessness or other circumstances requiring stabilization and support. (We will) then renovate the current Twice Over building to create a dedicated space for outreach services, life coaching, case management, programming and community-based supports,” said Westgate.
Twice Over is run by Nova House, and proceeds from the store help to support Nova House’s programming.
In the interim, while Nova House will no longer operate the Crisis Line, nine other provincially funded shelters across Manitoba will continue to provide services, including responding to calls on the provincial 24-hour crisis line. Anyone requiring immediate domestic violence crisis support should contact the 24-hour Provincial Crisis Line at 1-877-977-0007.
Westgate explained that there have been some big decisions in the works, but that the new chapter represents growth, innovation and deep commitment to sustainable housing solutions in our community.
“This allows us to focus on stability and long-term outcomes. When people have safe housing and support, they’re more likely to regain independence and rebuild their lives,” she explained.
There are some big changes coming with the purchase of the former Merchant Hotel, but there are still some Nova House services that will remain the same.
“Over the past two years, Nova House has already purchased four homes, which now operate and/or will operate seven housing units, primarily for women and children who have left domestic violence situations and shelter services. These homes will continue to operate with that focus, providing safe, supportive environments for families rebuilding their lives,” said Westgate.
As for the residents who currently call the building home, they are not going to have to leave because of this transition.
Westgate also mentioned that they intend to preserve the historic value that the building brings to the community, though they are planning to do some renovations to improve it, as the space needs some work to maintain and upgrade, being over 100 years old.
She hopes that these changes to expand what is available for Selkirk residents will help future people who use their services.
“Since there’s still going to be an emergency shelter and we’re going to be providing this service, I think it helps close that gap right in our community,” she said.
Westgate also wants residents to know that Nova House is becoming a community-supported organization, and so now more than ever, they will be relying heavily on community partnerships, grant funding and local support.
“Our community has always stepped up to help Nova House and support us. (With this) new opportunity, it would be (appreciated if the community could) help support Nova House and keep that in mind that we’re hopeful that they’ll continue to stand with us as we build our new model and move forward in this new direction. There are renovations in our future. There’s a lot of renovations in all of the apartments in that building. That building has been around since 1904,” she said.
The transition from one space to another for Nova House will be taking place very soon, and Westagte is hopeful for the future.
“Housing is one of the biggest gaps in social services right now, especially in our community. Having supportive housing reduces homelessness and strengthens communities, and that is what we are hoping to do. Nova House plans to operate the supportive housing units in the building, and continue to do that, we’ll support the people that are there, and as people move from there, or as we get vacancies and fix the apartments, we hope to help new people coming in that need the support,” she said.
She also wants to acknowledge the people who helped to make this new stage possible and have supported this expansion of services.
“I would also like to acknowledge the Nova House Board of Directors, who have been instrumental in helping shape this vision. Their leadership, commitment, and willingness to think creatively about the future of the organization have been pivotal during this transition. Nova House is fortunate to have a strong and dedicated Board guiding the organization through this next chapter,” said Westgate.
