By Alex Coop
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Estevan may be dwarfed when compared to Edmonton or Toronto, but nevertheless, homelessness is an issue that exists in the Energy City, the same way it does in those sprawling metropolises.
The Estevan Salvation Army's upcoming Walk Against Homelessness, which will coincide with their annual Barbecue for Belonging, is hoping to raise awareness about not just homelessness, but also other housing struggles that leave many people who sometimes have a job, looking for adequate living conditions.
"Even though Warm Welcome is a winter shelter, we continue to be involved in the lives of those struggling throughout the year because there's a need for the shelter year round," said Estevan Salvation Army Lieutenant Brian Bobolo.
The barbecue will start at 11 a.m. on Sept. 13 at the local Southland Co-op store, and will run until 3 p.m. All proceeds will go towards the Warm Welcome shelter program.
At 2 p.m., the Walk Against Homelessness will begin at St. Paul's United Church and will take participants to the Salvation Army Church.
"Along the way, people participating will be able to hear stories about the challenges people who are struggling to find adequate shelter in the community are facing, and learn about the shelter program which is housed at St. Paul's and the Salvation Army," said Bobolo, who will be leading the walk alongside St. Paul's Minister Brenna Nickel. The walk will last about an hour.
"People who face housing issues in smaller communities are often seen as outsiders or misfits somehow, and there's this derogatory view of them that you might not see in areas with larger centres, where housing issues are more understood, and seen as part of the landscape," the lieutenant explained.
When the shelter first opened in 2012, Bobolo noted the skepticism the shelter and its necessity faced.
"Some said, 'there are no homeless people in Estevan,'" he said. "But now the message has spread, and people understand there are those who are caught in difficult circumstances and need help. Last year when we ran the program again, by the time we got to the end of it, people were saying, 'well, why aren't you doing more?' So the issue has gained more acceptance."
The shelter has been operating for the past two winters and is looking forward to its third. Depending on the outcome of their fundraising efforts, the shelter may open its doors sooner. During its first year, the shelter was open four nights a week between Dec.1 and March 31. Last year the shelter was open seven nights a week during the same time period. This year they're hoping to open in the middle of November and operate until the month of June 2015.
"This will require more resources, but we believe the community will support us as they have been through donations and the volunteer work they provide," said Bobolo.
Bobolo listed several reasons why people may find themselves in a struggle to find shelter. It can involve newcomers to the city who have no place to stay initially, or sometimes family issues that often exist among young teens who seek alternate living conditions as a result of a breakdown within the family. The high cost of rent is also something he has seen people struggle with over the years.
"We want the community to be our eyes and ears, so if anyone knows of someone struggling with anything to do with poverty or lack of food, please call us."
The Estevan Salvation Army can be reached anytime at 306-634-2074.
