A Better Tent City gives its residents a roof over their heads, access to showers, washrooms, kitchen and laundry facilities, but also gives them the chance to live in a community that supports them. It recently won an award from Canada’s Top 100 Recovery Projects by the Future of Good in 2020.

Anishiative, a youth leadership program, set about putting up two teepees and a prospector tent next to Thunderbird House. The shelters are now called the Community Caring Camp. Both teepees will have fires inside and the prospector tent will have a woodstove, where people can warm up and grab some refreshments. As well as a warm place to go, the group will be handing out cold weather clothing for those who need it. Fontaine said they are also looking for donations of firewood, lights, coffee and volunteer time. He said people are needed to help keep the fires going and ensuring visitors are safe.