Tracy Maloney-Bullock, Frank Deegan, Alvin Ogilvie, and Ted Taylor at Prairie Welcome House

It's five years since the Prairie Welcome House opened its doors in downtown Portage la Prairie, and today's the anniversary.

It provides a place for people needing temporary respite in the city, offering coffee and conversation.

The facility's operated entirely by volunteers, and Co-director Tracy Maloney-Bullock describes the five years as a journey that's more than she thought it would be, because in 2007, she was thinking in terms of outreach. She says as Christians, they're called to serve, and is surprised at how much she and the rest of the volunteers have gained by being part of Prairie Welcome.

Maloney-Bullock thinks trust is why Prairie Welcome house has been sustainable over its five year history. She says people using their services look at them as a safe environment.

She adds there's a regular number of people they see each week, but also transients who they see intermittently.

Maloney-Bullock is certain Portage is better for the efforts of Prairie Welcome because it sends a message this is a friendly community.

Their doors are open this afternoon.