A program lead by the Regina Salvation Army brings hope to many

by jmifsud
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    Regina hosts first Community4Connection to help the homeless

    By Barb Pacholik, Leader-Post
     
    For those without a home or struggling to find one that’s affordable, Regina’s first Community4Connection (C4C) was a chance to fill immediate needs — but organizers also hope it builds long-term relationships.

    The one-day, market-square-type gathering Saturday inside Knox-Metropolitan Church offered everything from a free hot meal and nutritious groceries to spiritual and mental support, as well as information on employment and housing. People in need could take advantage of free personal care kits, clothing, school supplies and more.

    But for Merrissa Karmark, a summer student with the Salvation Army and a C4C organizer, one of the most important areas was the cafe space, where people could meet and talk over coffee or a hot meal.

    “The purpose is to create a space for connections within our community.”

    Karmark said the volunteers were reminded that they were there to assist, but also to learn from those walking through the doors.

    “Our real goal is to create a conversation about needs that need to be met,” she said.

    Homelessness goes beyond the stereotypical panhandler sleeping on a bench in a big city. As vacancy rates shrink and rental costs rise in Regina, “people who used to be able to afford housing can’t,” she said, adding that those struggling include students and newcomers to this country.

    “Everybody is one paycheque away from needing support,” added Karmark.

    Organizers wanted to bring a variety of groups together under one roof to provide easy access to services and information, and also to allow the various service providers to network with each other and those seeking assistance.

    “This is round one,” said Sean Fraser, executive director of Carmichael Outreach. Noting Calgary holds a similar event every few months, Fraser expressed hope this wouldn’t be the last such gathering.

    Cooking up soup and bannock for the approximately 400 visitors and volunteers was Mike Wysminity, who has worked with Carmichael Outreach for nearly two years.

    Wysminity welcomes the opportunity to be where he’s needed and admitted he doesn’t have much patience anymore for petty complaints after helping people in dire need. “You see how lucky you are,” he added.

    After doors closed on the open house, they opened Saturday evening for a coffee house with acoustic musicians and speakers to help raise money to fund C4C, which was hosted by several non-profit groups.

    HERE IS SOME PHOTO’S OF THE EVENT: