URGENT - Help us Rebuild Kokum's House Men's Home

Tragically, on March 14th, 2020, Kokum’s House Men’s home was deliberately set on fire, by an individual who is now charged with manslaughter and arson. The staff of the Cold Lake Native Friendship Centre were shocked and grieved by the loss of one of the residents and the house and all its contents.

Since the fire, we have  been trying to pick up the pieces left by this tragedy and are raising funds for a new men's home which is desperately needed in our community to serve  homeless men in the Lakeland Area. We have been proactive in opening Kokum's Corner second hand store as another revenue stream to raise funds.

Kokum's house Men's Home was started in collaboration with Zane Thane, who was a homeless man at the time, on July 1st, 2015, out of necessity. The City of Cold Lake and surrounding area did not have a men's Shelter, and the closest ones available was in Lloydminster, which is approximately 150 Kilometers away, and Fort MacMurray, which was approximately 435 Kilometers North. The home was created to provide a safe place for men in need, supporting sober living. 

Transient men from Across Canada, and First Nations have stayed at Kokum's House when travelling in the Lakeland area. Some men have used Kokum's House as their home until being able to find their own accommodations.  Those individuals had been allowed to stay on a room and board basis.

Kokum's House was a place for any man that finds himself in a homeless situation. While men stayed at Kokum's House they were encouraged to be independent and responsible. Some responsibilities included; household chores, volunteering, and active job search.

Success stories from five years of operation:

Estimated men served: 250 men from across the country

6 men trained and certified with security license

78 men served by rehab centre

5 men enrolled in trade school

1 single parent successfully raising his child independently 

250 men volunteered at local functions to serve their community

121 men self-admitted, 78 previously with addictions