Action Call: City support for winter warming space (2023 12 14)

Intro to this site…

This site is an attempt to share insights into issues of poverty and problematic lifestyles that affect at least some residents of inner-city Regina. It emerges, in part, from personal experience in giving support over the years to family members in North-Central, Regina. But it emerges also as part of a learning experience through contacts with existing and developing services, relationships clients of such services, and other research findings.

This site can be viewed as “organic” as it grows in response to changing events, leadership inclinations, and public responses.

Intentions for this site:

• Give support to inner-city agencies and ministries that are attempting to give both social and spiritual helps.
• Help promote greater awareness and understanding of inner-city needs and related action/ministry potential.
• Encourage sharing of perspectives, opportunities for engagement, and acknowledging achievements, especially those motivated by a sense of Christian commitment and service.
• Focus on causes, prevention and alleviation of conditions of poverty while recognizing the value of services that are primarily reactive to current needs/crises.

One may also view the purpose here to promote engagement of local individuals and organizations in the spirit of Christian social concern and service, where:

• Effectiveness is best promoted through careful analysis/reflection on issues and search for solutions.
• Creativity is often achieved through adaptation of insights and practices from elsewhere tailored to local needs and resources.
• Collaboration is practised though drawing on the strengths of participants around a common purpose.
• Concern and service is visible as a continuing commitment to Christ’s teaching on care/love for others in a spirit of servant leadership.

Feedback is welcomed. Please see contact info at bottom of this page.

In the news…

Current News on Inner-City Regina.  [Under development]

Personal perspectives on poverty issues…

Networking on Christian Social Involvement

Mental Health issues

Homelessness in Regina

Events of Note

Local Events of Note  [Under development]

Services and ministries for inner-city Regina

Included below are just some of the organizations attempting to address the needs of inner-city Regina. Most such agencies and groups depend both on donations and volunteer help.

Regina Anti-Poverty Ministry (RAPM) — https://antipovertyministry.ca/

A mature organization, first founded more than 50 years ago through an act of the Regina Ministerial Association.  Services include advocacy for people and causes related to problems of poverty.  Long-standing staff are Peter Gilmer and Bonnie Morton who are often seen in the media.

Souls Harbour Rescue Mission — https://www.shrmsk.com/

Another mature organization with more than 30 years of service to both Regina and Moose Jaw. In their own words:  “Today, Souls Harbour Rescue Mission provides Saskatchewan with a variety of programs and services including; Men’s Emergency Shelters, a ‘Free’ Clothing store, Meal Programs, the Dean Smith Youth Centre, Little Souls Daycare, Green Earth Daycare, Shayil Home Women’s Addictions Program, Soul Sisters Catering Inc., and 58 suites of affordable housing.”

Indigenous Christian Fellowship (ICF) — https://www.facebook.com/icfregina.ca/

ICF provides a variety of activities and services, with the help of community volunteers, including Morning Drop-In, Soup and Bannock on Wednesdays, Chimatawa Volunteer program (focused on increasing skills and employability), Talking Circles, and other Seasonal Events.

Carmichael Outreach — https://carmichaeloutreach.ca/

“Carmichael Outreach is a registered charity located in Regina, Saskatchewan that provides various services to those in our community who experience poverty and homelessness. Our mission is to foster empowerment through dignity, respect, and advocacy in our community.

Our vision is to see the END of poverty and homelessness in our community. We know that this will be a big job – no one person, group, or organization can end homelessness alone. That is why we all need to come together to do our parts, however big or small.
Together, we CAN end poverty and homelessness!”

White Pony Lodge — https://www.breakfreeoutreach.ca

“We love our [North Central] neighbourhood and want others to love it too! Those of us who live and work in North Central have seen many changes in our neighbourhood such as increased family involvement and improved stability. There is still a lot of work to do!

Our patrols focus on keeping the streets safe for our neighbours by removing dangerous and drug related items. We are full of amazing people and we love doing our small part to make it better.”

All Nations Hope Network — https://allnationshope.ca/

“All Nations Hope Network has been providing education, service and support to communities, families, schools and organizations in the province of Saskatchewan since 1995. All Nations Hope Network (ANHN) was established as a collective of Indigenous people, organizations and agencies who care about HIV, AIDS and Hepatitis C (HCV) among First Nations, Inuit and Métis people.”

Eagle Heart Centre — afscregina.ca

“Eagle Heart Centre (EHC) is dedicated to providing services that support and empower families, children and youth to attain a healthy lifestyle in the many aspects of their life including the home, at work/job, education/training, spiritual and recreations. EHC believes the importance of individual and family well-being is a foundation for both strong families, communities and economic growth.”

Programming includes Come “n” Learn Aboriginal Head Start, Family Support, Family Learning Centre, KidsFirst Home Visitor Program, Kits Cart Driver Program, Visitation supervision and Transportation Program, Adult Mentoring Program.

Break-Free Outreach Ministries — https://www.breakfreeoutreach.ca/

“Break Free Outreach Ministries is a Christ-centred organization that provides outreach ministry to vulnerable residents in our community.  We are located in the North Central area of Regina, SK.  Break Free is a fresh perspective to outreach services that will engage, equip, and empower individuals to make lifelong change resulting in a more satisfied and meaningful life. We reduce barriers, accept individuals where they are at, and support them to move to where they want to be.  Our approach is to not just give people a fish, but to teach them to fish!”

Susan Ulmer Addiction Services — https://susanulmer.ca/

“To provide a quality intensive outpatient program for those who are suffering with addiction and to do so with compassion, understanding, and total confidentiality. We will never be judgemental and promise to serve those who need help. That help will be based on what the addict requires and not on what they can afford.”

Programming includes Counselling (Alcohol/Drug/Gambling), Outpatient Program, Relapse Prevention, Drug Testing.

The Salvation Army — https://salvationarmy.ca/
Haven of Hope (Regina) — https://www.havenofhope.ca/

Vision Statement: “We are an innovative partner, mobilized to share hope wherever there is hardship, building communities that are just and know the love of Jesus.”

Programs: Pathway of Hope (program to help break the cycle of poverty), Bed Program, Emergency Assistance (hampers, vouchers, care), Daily Bread Survival Sustenance, Food assistance every Wednesday, Food on the Move (summer nutrition), School Nutrition Program, Beaver Creek Summer Camp, Back to School supplies for kids, Christmas Assistance (including Adopt a Family), Income Tax Program

Kate’s Place (Regina)

The Salvation Army Kate’s Place provides 24-hour supervised, stable, and supportive housing to female participants of the Regina Drug Treatment Court Program.

Mother Teresa Middle School Program — https://mtmschoolregina.com/

“MTMS is an experimental program under the Catholic school system in partnership with community donors.  It provides an intense schooling strategy for selected inner-city children in poverty, providing significant care and oversight to the whole child in support of school achievement.  Although starting with three years of middle school (grades 6 – 8), the program supports its children through secondary and into post-secondary with counseling and scholarships.”

Inner-City Church Ministries

Morning Star Ministries — https://msmregina.ca/

“Morning Star is a small inner-city church located in the heart of North Central, Regina. North Central is also commonly called “the Hood,” a focus point of crime, drugs and poverty. It is therefore our vision, mission and prayer that in the heart of the Hood, we represent the heart of God.

Our congregation is made up of people from all walks of life, therefore it would be hard to draw a concrete picture of our demographics. Yet one thing is for sure: you will not feel like an outsider. There is a sense of belonging and acceptance in our church, an atmosphere of family. This is created by each of the unique individuals that attend.”

Good News Chapel — http://www.goodnewschapel.ca/

“The Good News Chapel was formed in March 2007 as a ministry of the Souls Harbour Rescue Mission in Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada. The church was formed as an outreach program for the community in North Central Regina as well as a church home for many of the residents who attended the men and women’s life change program as part of the rescue mission…. The Good News Chapel became an independent church in January 2012. At the same time Sunday services began to be held at Indigenous Christian Fellowship (3131 Dewdney Avenue).” Current pastor is Murray Hack.

Gentle Road Church of Christ — https://www.facebook.com/GentleRoadChurchOfChrist/

“Our mission is to be kingdom people in North Central Regina, SK, Canada. To be and share Jesus Christ. To love and serve the community. To plant churches that plant other churches.”

Civic Offices and Government-Sponsored Services

North Central Community Association — http://www.nccaregina.ca/

“The North Central Community Association was incorporated in August 1976…. It serves a population of approximately 10,000 people in an area of 183 square blocks, consisting of 4300 homes and over 100 businesses and organizations.

NCCA takes a community development approach to ensure that needs of the community is being addressed. NCCA does this by creating various programs and initiatives that are meaningful for residents.”

See also North Central Community Resources Manual.

Safer Communities and Neighbourhoods (SCAN) — link here

“If you have a concern about a property in your neighbourhood, for your own safety you should not attempt to investigate on your own, or approach anyone on the property. SCAN enables you to share your concern confidentially with investigators who will follow up on your concerns.”

211 Saskatchewan — https://sk.211.ca/

“211 Saskatchewan is a free, confidential, 24/7 service that connects individuals to human services in the province by telephone, text, or web chat, plus a searchable website with over 6,000 listings of social, community, non-clinical health, and government services across the province.”

Some locally elected officials

Andrew Stevens, Ward 3 Councillor — https://www.andrewstevensward3.ca/

“Councillor Andrew Stevens is currently sitting for his first term as a member of Regina City Council, representing the residents of Ward 3 (North Central, Cathedral, Centre Square, Downtown).”

https://www.regina.ca/city-government/city-council/city-councillors/ward-3/

Daniel LaBlanc, Ward 6 Councillor —

“Councillor LeBlanc is a lawyer by trade, mostly working for unions, employees and people whose constitutional rights have been interfered with.”

“His priorities include addressing the addiction crisis, improving working conditions for workers throughout the city, and reducing noise from train traffic through Ward 6.”

https://www.regina.ca/city-government/city-council/city-councillors/ward-6/

Meara Conway, local MLA — https://www.ndpcaucus.sk.ca/mearaconway

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For additions, updates, and corrections,
please contact Ron at 306.591.3936, or
email to: Ronald.Richmond@sasktel.net

First published: 2021/10/10
Latest revision: 2022/11/10/