A man from Moose Jaw has spoken out after receiving notice about needing to relocate to a different government housing unit.
For almost a decade, Randy Hughes has lived in a three-bedroom house with his wife.
Being in remission from cancer for 15 years and legally blind, Hughes said he has lived comfortably in his home, but now worries that will all change.
“I managed to make everything accessible where I’m living, my needs are met,” he shared. “I’m thinking if I’m not there I’m going to have a really hard time functioning anywhere else.”
Moose Jaw Housing Authority informed Hughes he would be moving to an apartment at High Park Towers, due to his current house being “over-housed.”
His brother and power of attorney, Stuart Hughes, expressed his concerns of the new unit, stating it is not wheelchair accessible - given Hughes is legally blind and has mobility issues.
Yet, when his brother contacted the housing authority with his concerns, Stuart said it was suggested Hughes find an alternative solution.
“He’s got it until June 30 to move out or move to the private sector, or accept the place in High Park Towers,” explained Stuart.
“And High Park Towers does not accommodate him at all. He is a cancer survivor of 15 years, the chemo has destroyed all of his joints, both retinas are detached. Why disrupt his life so much and put so much stress on him now. He’s got enough stress he doesn’t need this. It’s just not right.”
Last week at the legislative building, the Opposition NDP called for action from the provincial government during question period – expressing their frustration for the circumstances.
“Randy has done nothing wrong and the Saskatchewan Party government is still removing him from his home,” voiced April Chiefcalf, MLA for Saskatoon Westview.
“To the minister, how is it acceptable to kick Randy out because he’s ‘over housed?’”
In response, Minister of Social Services Terry Jenson said the government is open to taking a closer look at Hughes’ situation.
“I’d be more than happy to sit down with Randy and discuss the details of this particular case,” Hughes responded.
“Again, we take accessibility and we take disabilities extremely seriously. We want to make sure that we’re doing everything we can to ensure these individuals are housed in a safe and secure place.”
In a statement to CTV News on Tuesday, Jenson said he was able to meet with Hughes’ family.
“I appreciated the opportunity to sit down with the Hughes family to learn about their housing situation and specific needs. I committed to them that the local housing authority and Saskatchewan Housing Corporation would continue to work collaboratively with them to ensure their housing remains stable and meets their needs moving forward,” his statement read.
In the meantime, Hughes is hoping he is not displaced and can continue living in his current home.
“I’m not in a position to really go around and look at places or anything either,” he shared.
“Basically if I looked at another apartment now, I would just be walking in and I can’t see it.”
