Homelessness up 255% in Regina since 2015, according to latest count

Homelessness in Regina is a rapidly escalating crisis, with a recent report from Namerind revealing a staggering increase in the number of unhoused individuals in the city. According to the report, a count conducted in October showed a 255 per cent rise from 2015, with the current number of homeless people in Regina standing at 824, up from 232.

The report attributes this alarming trend to intersecting systemic economic and social factors, painting a grim picture of the growing crisis facing the city. Regina Mayor Chad Bachynski expressed concern over the exponential growth of homelessness and emphasized the need for sustainable funding to address the issue effectively. He also highlighted the importance of advocating for more financial support from the province to tackle the root causes of homelessness.

The report also shed light on some concerning statistics, with 63 per cent of unsheltered individuals counted living without shelter. Additionally, 75 per cent of those surveyed were Indigenous, despite Indigenous people making up only 10 per cent of Regina’s population. The report highlighted the prevalence of intergenerational trauma and the impact of residential school experiences on the homeless population.

Namerind’s report included several calls to action, such as Indigenous-led approaches to address systemic barriers, integrated services for mental health, addiction, and housing, affordable housing initiatives, and enhanced coordination for future homelessness counts to ensure more accurate data.

In a show of solidarity, advocates in Saskatoon also rallied for more support for the homeless population in their city. A recent point-in-time count in Saskatoon identified 1,499 people experiencing homelessness, nearly three times higher than the previous count in 2022. Housing advocate Melissa Naytowhow expressed skepticism about the accuracy of the count, believing that it failed to capture the full extent of homelessness in the city.

Saskatoon Mayor Cynthia Block attended the rally and emphasized the need for easier access to resources for individuals experiencing homelessness. She acknowledged the challenges in connecting people with the support they need quickly and highlighted the importance of taking concrete actions to address the homelessness crisis in the city.

As both Regina and Saskatoon grapple with the growing challenges of homelessness, it is clear that urgent and sustained efforts are needed to provide support and resources for the most vulnerable members of society. Collaboration between different levels of government, community organizations, and advocates will be crucial in addressing this pressing issue and working towards long-term solutions for homelessness in Saskatchewan.