‘Houseless speak for themselves:’ open event hosted in Regina

As homelessness continues to bear down on the residents of Regina, some people directly affected by the issue got the chance to speak at an event on Friday at the The Cure, a kitchen and bar located downtown.

The event was open to the public and was hosted by Ward 6 Councillor Dan LeBlanc.

Among the speakers was an 18-year-old by the name of Rin, who has been in and out of youth shelters.

She’s currently living in the YWCA right across City Hall.

“(By the YWCA) I see everyone out there every day in these tents,” she said to a capacity crowd. “Some of them don’t have a tent, some of them have to make a tent using rope and tarps. And then what do you do when it rains? Oh, you put wood pallets under your tent so you don’t get soaked.”

Rin said she’s signed up for the Saskatchewan Income Support program (SIS), but like many others, she mentioned several frustrations with the program.

“We only get $900-something a month. $600 of it is automatically delegated to your housing. Do any of you guys know where you can rent an apartment for $600 a month?” she said.

Rin said the program can force people into desperate choices especially when their rent exceeds the amount that SIS provides.

“There is literally no way to support yourself. It is either you have a roof over your head, or you get your food and you’re able to keep living another day,” she said.

Rin said that poverty and homelessness are often sources of drug addictions themselves since many people turn to substances in order to cope with hardship.

A man by the name of Denver Magotiaux got a chance to take to the mic. Magotiaux played a vital role in Pepsi Park’s Camp Hope in 2021.

“Homelessness is a big problem in our city right now. I’m homeless myself. I’ve been homeless off and on my whole life pretty much,” Magotiaux said.

Magotiaux said he has been dealing with drug addiction and that this has played a role in him not having housing.

But things are turning around.

“I’m going to get a house within the next week or so, but I will still continue to work with the people of the community, (and try) to help other people get houses,” Magotiaux said.

Brandon Spyglass is currently homeless and he was also given a chance to speak.

“I’m in my position because I’ve made mistakes and I just want you guys to know that there are second chances out there. That is for sure,” Spyglass said.

“I would like you guys to know that nothing’s hopeless.”

Volunteer Sean Koch delivered an impassioned speech about just how dire the situation is.

“I’m here with no agency, I’ve made no money and I’m out there helping with a lot of great people,” Koch said. “And we’re going to keep doing that because we’re showing an example of what community is actually all about.”

Koch said he helped move the encampment from Pepsi Park to City Hall.

“This isn’t a protest, we’re trying to save lives out there,” Koch said.

Koch said he’s in danger of being homeless.

“Things need to change and the good thing is we actually are making change. And that’s why you guys are here right now because you can feel there’s something different. There is something different.”

Ken Unwin is staying at Soul’s Harbour Rescue Mission.

Despite this, Unwin said he still dedicates time to help feed people and turn their lives around.

“All people need to open up their eyes and see what’s going on around them,” Unwin said.

He cited the rising cost of rent as an issue that plagues many.

“So please wake up, take a look and understand the complete situation that this city is in.”

“It’s a crisis people,” Unwin shouted.

Alysia Johnson with Rally Around Homelessness also spoke.

She shared her own experiences with homelessness and talked about the need for people to have tough conversations.

“It’s one thing to be aware and it’s one thing to come to terms with something and to say ‘I don’t agree with homelessness, this shouldn’t be, we can do better’ — it’s another to actively use your voice and your resources to say ‘I may not have power but I have influence. And I’m going to use it,’” Johnson said.