Community groups hold forum to address needs of people experiencing homelessness in downtown Regina
A group of advocates gathered on the steps of the Knox Metropolitan United Church in downtown Regina on Wednesday afternoon to discuss how to best serve unhoused people ahead of the cold winter months.
Cam Fraser doesn't need to look further than the front door of his church to witness the plight of those experiencing homelessness in Regina, several people have been living on the front steps and in the church yard.
“We’ve done what we can to try connect people with services but one of the realities is there just is not sufficient spaces or supports,” said Fraser, the minister at Knox Metropolitan United Church.
A single person on social assistance in Saskatchewan receives $575 a month for rent and utilities. They receive an additional $285 for food and other needs..
"We know that it’s not even half of what the poverty line is. So it’s not just a question of people living in poverty, it’s how deeply they’re living in poverty and how desperately they’re living in poverty,” said Peter Gilmer, an advocate with the Regina Anti-Poverty Ministry.
Raymonda Morin lives behind trash containers in a back alley. She lost her apartment because social assistance wasn’t enough.
"Eight hundred and fifty dollars a month. That’s not enough to pay my rent and all my bills and my food and my clothing. They need to do something about that. They need to change that,” she said.
Ironically, there is vacant government housing right across the alley from Raymonda’s mattress. Several people had been living there, but were kicked out and now live on the landings. There is evidence that some may be children.
Alyssa Marinos, who is a part of the Regina Downtown community support team, said she and her partner have connected with 40 to 50 people who are living on downtown streets.
It is quite alarming and it is only getting worse with some of the changes that have gone on with the income assistance program for the Ministry of Social Services and there is a lot of hidden homelessness,” said Marinos.
The minister of social services said she believes there is adequate help for those ready to receive it.
“Get them the help and supports they need. Sometimes they’re ready to accept those supports, sometimes they’re not ready to accept those supports. We need to give them time to decide that they are ready to come and get those supports,” said Minister of Social Services Lori Carr.
The government says it is always working to improve supports and connecting people to what they need.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Why these immigrants to Canada say they're thinking about leaving, or have already moved on
For some immigrants, their dreams of permanently settling in Canada have taken an unexpected twist.
DEVELOPING Live updates from the Trump hush money trial: Stormy Daniels, bookkeeper testify
Adult film star Stormy Daniels is on the stand a second time Thursday as former U.S. president Donald Trump’s hush money case continues in Manhattan. Follow live updates here.
Ontario family receives massive hospital bill as part of LTC law, refuses to pay
A southwestern Ontario woman has received an $8,400 bill from a hospital in Windsor, Ont., after she refused to put her mother in a nursing home she hated -- and she says she has no intention of paying it.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
Miss Teen USA steps down just days after Miss USA's resignation
Miss Teen USA resigned Wednesday, sending further shock waves through the pageant community just days after Miss USA said she would relinquish her crown.
B.C. wildfires likely to spread with weekend temperatures expected to soar, province says
Wildfire and emergency management officials in British Columbia are urging residents to be prepared for increased fire activity as temperatures are expected to soar above 30 C in parts of the province this weekend.
Wilfrid Laurier football player drafted despite only playing 27 games in his entire life
A Listowel, Ont. man, drafted by the Hamilton Tigercats last week, is also getting looks from the NFL, despite only playing 27 games of football in his life.
Ontario man frustrated after $3,500 paving job leaves driveway in shambles
An Ontario man considering having his driveway paved received a quote from a company for $7,000, but then, another paver in the neighbourhood knocked on his door and offered half that rate.
BREAKING Sheldon Keefe out as head coach of Toronto Maple Leafs
The Toronto Maple Leafs have fired head coach Sheldon Keefe. The team made the announcement Thursday after the Original Six franchise lost to the Boston Bruins in seven games in the first round of the Stanley Cup playoffs.