Carmichael Outreach Clients lead community clean-up in Regina

Many of the clients who normally receive help from Carmichael Outreach are volunteering to help clean up the Heritage neighbourhood around that organization.

Carmichael serves many people in Regina's homeless community by giving out food and clothing and hosting a needle exchange through the Regina Qu'Appelle Health Region. 

Nicholas Olsen is a housing support worker at Carmichael Outreach.

"There's a lot of stigma around homeless people and intravenous drug-users, but they are out volunteering and taking pride in keeping their community clean and safe as well," said Olsen. 

In 2012, Carmichael exchanged more 590,000 needles at its Osler street location. Olsen said even though the exchange rate is very high there are still some needles that don't get returned. Carmichael volunteers generally find between 20-50 needles at each of their cleanups.

"Many of our clients live on the street, so they can take us to the hotspots where people go to inject drugs," Olsen explained.

One of the volunteers, known on the street as Rocky, said she volunteers because Carmichael helps the street people so she wanted to help Carmichael. Another volunteer said, "When you come to a place that is clean, you feel better."

It's not only Carmichael clients that show up to volunteer. Olsen said they are always happy to be joined by anyone who wants to help clean up the neighbourhood.

"We like it because it's a way to keep the Carmichael community and the greater community connected," said Olsen. 

Carmichael leads a clean-up every second Friday. The next one is scheduled for 10 a.m. CST on May 22.