Residents of Regina’s Glen Elm Mobile Home Community were present at Saskatchewan’s Legislature Monday – asking the province for support as they face a rapidly approaching eviction deadline.
NDP MLA Jacqueline Roy raised the issue during Question Period.
“In the coming days, weeks and months, they face eviction, with some having already lost their homes, declared bankruptcy or are under serious mental health pressures that are or were just too much to take,” Roy outlined.
“One hundred and fifty-five Glen Elm residents to be without their homes, to be added to that roster – [with] Regina just declaring a houselessness crisis.”
Minister of Social Services Terry Jenson maintained that the province has been proactive in its response to the situation.
“Soon as we became aware of this, all the impacted residents received information about the relevant programs and services that may be available to them, including the Saskatchewan Housing Benefit, social housing opportunities as well as income assistance programs,” he explained.
“The ministry has contacted all income assistance clients residing at Glen Elm and these clients are being provided with the appropriate supports throughout the situation. Depending on their circumstances, income assistance clients may be eligible for relocation as well as other benefits.”
Jenson added that income assistant payments will be exempted for residents who are receiving SIST or SAID benefits.
Those who own their mobile homes say there is little that can be done for them.
“The government is just throwing social services at people – that most can not apply for. They’re working people, they have jobs,” Glen Elm resident Heidi told CTV News.
Residents say that around 100 mobile homes have been served notice to relocate by June 30. They say there are no options – but they hope the city can create one.
“We’re not asking to go into social services – we’re homeowners, we’re taxpayers, we’ve made an investment in our homes. That’s where we’re coming from,” explained Randall Edge, the president of the Glen Elm Retirement Community Resident’s Association.
Roy reiterated that many residents have encountered issues with the process – with some alleging that they’ve been told that access to housing would take “years.”
“I find the word ‘proactive’ bizarre, because some of the letters that went out from that Minister’s department actually caused confusion and chaos and mental health problems with these residents,” she argued.
“Many of these folks have been told they are not eligible for the services in that letter [that was] sent to them.”
Residents began receiving eviction notices in late January. Damaged or aging water and sewage infrastructure were given as the reasons for the park’s closure.
The first round of notices included a deadline for the end of April, while later notices have said park services will be disconnected by July 1.
The city will convene a meeting this week for residents with social services in attendance.
A report is also expected at this week’s city council meeting which residents hope will recommend a place to move their mobile homes.
