October 26th – Camp Marjorie – Seclusion 101 with AnneMarie

These days, the news in Regina features articles such as this one found in the Regina Leader Post.

Upwards of a hundred nylon tents have been set up in a small park at the centre of town to shelter the homeless in our city. Sleeping bags, food and other necessities have been donated and secured. Kitchen areas and port-a-potties have been set up. A windbreak has been built to surround this make-shift community. Those who are homeless continue to arrive at ‘Camp Marjorie’ and the camp expands to meet the growing need.

I certainly applaud the efforts of the volunteer organizers and the community groups who have worked to provide assistance for the homeless in our city. But, this is Regina, Saskatchewan and this is the end of October. Our temperature is drifting above and below freezing. Frigid winds whipped through Regina yesterday, followed by rain. Snow is in the forecast. I cannot imagine nylon tents supporting the considerable weight of snow – or giving much protection from the wind and the rain for that matter.

‘Camp Marjorie’ is not a permanent solution for the homeless crisis in Regina, but it is bringing much needed attention to the situation. The local police and fire department are attending regularly, doing what it is within their jurisdictions to do. Social service care workers are attending and doing what they can to resolve issues – ma y of which have been created by their government employers. Some of the needy have been placed in hotels temporarily , while permanent arrangements are being made. Others wait.

Housing and feeding the vulnerable in our community is a start – and it is a good start. But hopefully this is just the start. There is so much that needs to be addressed before our homeless can experience the security and quality of life that they deserve. There are so many support programs that would provide a hand up to those who have virtually nothing and nowhere to go. And there are those who are, and will always be, incapable of proving for themselves. Our city and our province need to do better to help those who are in need, regardless.