Homelessness is not a choice

Project People is a network of volunteers, donors and agencies to help those who are homeless, hungry or at risk in Regina, Saskatchewan.

Project People is not an agency or charity but strives to work with and support existing agencies.

Contact info:

Gmail: reginapeople

Call/text: 306-533-5117

Join us on Facebook!

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Project-People/130336213680942?ref=sgm

Homelessness and Hidden Homelessness in Regina

Times are tough for those living in poverty in Regina. A few years ago, rents went sky high and they never came down. Even though the vacancy rate have increased, rents are unaffordable. Rents are ranging from $500 for a room, $600 for a bachelor suite to $1650 for a 4 bedroom townhouse. People on social assistance receive between $200 for a single to $849 for a family of 5 or more. The Rental Supplement has been discontinued.

People living in poverty are forced to use money meant for clothing, groceries and other needs to top up their rents. This contributes to a crisis driven lifestyle where you are dealing with one crisis or another from day to day. They are worried how they are going to feed their families, keep a roof over their head, and keep the water, power and energy going.

Many people are one crisis away from homelessness.

In our city, we don’t see people living on the streets and in the parks. Our homeless are couch surfing, living in overcrowded conditions, squatting in abandoned buildings and in extreme case living in tents, garages and cars.

In a recent count, there were 286 people who were identified as homeless, 19 did not know where they would be sleeping that night. 6 were staying in public space or makeshift shelter. And 85 were staying at some else’s place without a home of their own. (https://www.homelesshub.ca/sites/default/files/attachments/2018-PiT-Count-Report.pdf)

That is too many for a city with enough resources to properly care for everyone.

What can we do?

Learn more about the issues of housing and homelessness. Raise awareness about the issues within your workplace, school, family, and community. Support front line agencies by volunteering, donating money, helping with fundraising and donating second hand items.

Project People is willing to come speak to your church, school, service group, staff, or any group about homelessness and Project People.

Please call: 306-533-5117 or Gmail: reginapeople

Current Activities:

Friday Night Social

Fridays

7:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.

3355 6th Ave

This is a sober get together every Friday, open to the community.

This is an excellent opportunities for those who are interested in getting involved with Project People to come and meet to find out more. Join us for an evening of positive energy, making friends and fun.

Furniture Pick ups

Project People is pleased to announce that the Furniture Program has been transferred to Indigenous Christian Fellowship.

Please contact ICF directly to arrange pick-up of donated furniture, request furniture for clients, or to ask about the weekly Community Sharing Time. Currently, the Community Sharing Time is Thursdays at 2 p.m. There is a $3.00 entry fee at the door.

Indigenous Christian Fellowship

Phone: 306-359-1096

Address: 3131 Dewdney Ave.

Annual Events:

Community4Connection

Community4Connection is a one day, one stop shop of services for any person in need, whether they are absolutely homeless or at risk of being homeless. It is modeled after “Project Homeless Connect” that takes place in other cities. This event also involves many volunteers, often students, donors and a huge interagency effort. Over the years we have offered a meal, new underwear, winter clothing, flu immunizations, massages, traditional healing sessions, spiritual care, haircuts and much more.

Our History

Project People was initiated by a private citizen who felt helpless about the crisis of homelessness in Regina. Although there are interagency groups doing good work about homelessness, the need is growing more quickly than it can be addressed. There are also barriers that need to be overcome. One is increasing understanding about homelessness in a city where it is hidden.

In October 2010, Project People was launched with a volunteer recruitment event held at the United Way. This event was followed by our first project, a winter clothing drive. The response was immense and many donations were distributed to shelters and agencies.

Charity is not a real solution to hunger and homelessness. It is a necessary interim measure.

Over the years, we have held two annual events - Christmas in July and Community4Connection. We have a weekly program – Friday Night Social. For a few years, we helped Indian Metis Christian Fellowship develop the furniture program and joined their weekly Community Sharing Time. This has been handed back to IMCF.

Some of the Project People other highlights include the printing and distribution of the Regina Renters Guide. This booklet outlines practical ways to address the biggest challenges renting property in our city. We have been fortunate to have printings sponsored by KidsFirst and by Regina Transition House. Feel free to take a look:

Regina Renters Guide

Project People has taken part in advocacy events such as The People’s Housing Summit that coincided with the Mayor’s Housing Summit. We have done food drives, fundraising activities, family dry dances, Christmas Day Drop In, and placed donation bins out in the community.

In 2014, our founder Lisa Workman received a Woman of Distinction award for Community Leadership and Enhancement from the YWCA.

http://www.nccaregina.ca/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/June-2014.pdf

We couldn’t possibly name all of our helpers, but there are a few that stand out. Agency partners – College of Nursing, Indian Metis Christian Fellowship, Salvation Army, Four Directions Community Health Centre, Carmichael Outreach, Knox Metropolitan United Church and North Central Community Association. Donors – Rotary Club of Regina and Saskatchewan Building and Trades (and many, many individuals and families). Volunteer groups – Nursing Education Program, ArtsCares, SERVE/Sonlight Christian Reform Church, Mission 6:10/Gentle Road Church of Christ, Luther College, Street Worker’s Advocacy Project and Rainbow Youth/Road to Employment (and many, many individuals and families).