Church in the Hood Founder Confronts Dual Challenges of Broken Buses and Family Health Crisis
A distinctive initiative addressing homelessness in Saskatoon faced significant obstacles this past winter, but determined efforts are now focused on restoring and expanding the program in preparation for the coming cold season. Ralph "Biz Nico" Nicotine, the founder of Church in the Hood Ministries, has been operating a warming bus service since 2020, providing critical shelter, hot soup, and winter clothing to the city's unhoused population during frigid nights.
Mechanical Failures and Unexpected Costs Hinder Winter Operations
Nicotine's plans for the recent winter were disrupted when his aging red bus required extensive repairs. Initially anticipating approximately $2,000 in maintenance costs, the final bill nearly tripled after mechanics identified multiple issues with the vehicle. Fortunately, a longtime supporter of Nicotine's work generously covered the unexpected expenses.
"The garage informed us we could retrieve the bus, claiming it was operating perfectly," Nicotine recalled. However, shortly after driving it home, he discovered the coolant system was empty despite assurances it had been refilled. The bus subsequently broke down during a return trip to the shop and required towing.
With repair estimates ranging from $3,500 to $10,000, Nicotine made the difficult decision to abandon further investment in the problematic vehicle. "It didn't make sense to allocate that much additional funding into it," he explained.
Renewed Vision with Expanded Fleet and Community Support
Undeterred by these setbacks, Nicotine has acquired two larger 72-seat buses at a reasonable cost and has begun renovating them for future service. Currently in the gutting phase, the buses are being prepared with potential assistance from a company that has offered to help install benches and kitchen facilities.
Despite the absence of his primary warming bus this winter, Nicotine continued his outreach efforts using his personal vehicle, distributing winter clothing provided by the Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations (FSIN) and preparing soup for those in need. "We donated everything we had and prepared soup for everyone. It worked out well this year," he noted, though expressing regret about the missing bus. "I wasn't going to let a bus prevent us from fulfilling what we feel called to do."
Personal Resilience Amid Family Health Challenges
Compounding the operational difficulties, Nicotine received devastating news about his wife's cancer diagnosis. Reflecting on her courageous response, he shared, "My wife doesn't want this disease to affect her life. She still wants to live life to the fullest." This personal trial has only strengthened his commitment to serving others while maintaining hope for the future.
Looking ahead, Nicotine envisions operating one bus in Saskatoon and another in North Battleford, with potential expansion to Prince Albert still under discussion. The hip-hop artist from Red Pheasant First Nation, who established Church in the Hood Ministries in 2014, remains focused on his mission to provide warmth and dignity to vulnerable community members during Saskatchewan's harsh winters.
