Government help needed to get tent camp ready for winter, Regina advocates for homeless people say
CBC
Advocates for those who are homeless in Regina are calling on the municipal and provincial governments to declare a state of emergency and public health crisis because of homelessness and addiction in the city.
As winter draws nearer, they're preparing to erect what's being called a "tent city" at Pepsi Park, in Regina's Heritage neighbourhood, that could operate as a temporary shelter for people experiencing homelessness.
The first shelter — a small blue-and-grey tent — went up on Friday afternoon.
"Hopefully, this is the start of something better for our people on the street," said Shylo Stevenson, a communications officer for Regina Needle Recovery and Community Support.
His non-profit outreach group is asking the city, the province and the Saskatchewan Health Authority to declare a state of emergency and public health crisis in response to the increasing pressures of homelessness and addictions on people.
It's not currently known just how many people are experiencing homelessness in the city. A count is planned for this fall.
A 2015 count found there were 232 homeless people in Regina, while a 2018 count put the number at 286.
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