Local News
'What about homelessness?' Sharing circle highlights urgent need
A community gathering at the Portage Regional Library has drawn attention to homelessness, addictions, and poverty in Portage la Prairie, with calls for stronger supports and practical solutions. Addressing homelessness directly Angelo Roulette, executive director of the Women for Mother Earth Network, hosted a sharing circle to discuss needs in the community. She says the most urgent issue raised was homelessness and the lack of hands-on help available to those in crisis. “You need real help, not just, here’s a list, go look at these places,” Roulette says. “You really need to practically hold a person by his hand or her hand and take them there. Somebody that’s willing to go above and beyond.” Roulette notes that while food programs and donations are available through groups like the Heartland Community, many families are still falling through the cracks. She believes underused spaces such as the Manitoba Developmental Centre could be repurposed to provide temporary housing or shelter during the winter months and for evacuees in the summer. “The powers that be are not thinking about the homelessness and the poverty that we live in,” she adds. “It’s not a proud thing when I say we were called child poverty capital three times over the years. That’s something to think about, the children, our future.” Roulette also shared concerns about vulnerable people discharged from hospital late at night with no transportation or safe place to go. She says community members have picked up individuals walking on the highway after being released, with some heading back to Sandy Bay in the dark. Community voices Others at the circle also shared their concerns. Gertie Roulette expressed her personal commitment to the issue, despite limited resources. “I’m always willing to help wherever I can,” she says. “For now, all I can do is pray for the homeless people. Because that’s all I can do. But I do every morning.” Melvina Bone spoke about how addictions and incarceration have affected her own family. “Yeah, and I do have a son that’s incarcerated, so I am affected by him,” Bone notes. “Because of his drug and alcohol abuse, I can only pray for him that he will come to the light and realize that he doesn’t need to live like that.” She says she has turned to groups like the Portage Community Revitalization Corporation for help and has received clothing and food supports, which she then shared with others she encountered in need. Seeking leadership and action Roulette says she has raised her concerns with City Hall, but feels the focus has been placed on projects like murals, ramps, or park swings instead of shelters and addiction services. She has also spoken with Sandy Bay Chief Trevor Prince, who encouraged her to formalize a proposal for a resource centre in Portage. “One of our teachings is to share, so it would be really good work to have something used both seasons, in the winter and in the summer,” she continues. “Do we need somebody to freeze to death this winter? The need is there, and I hope people open their eyes to what’s really going on.” Roulette points out that many reserves are represented in Portage, with people arriving for health care, education, or family reasons, but then facing gaps in housing and support. She says the time has come for leadership, churches, and community organizations to step forward together. “I believe in starting small,” Roulette says. “A place of safety, a place of kindness would be something. Let’s do a little bit of homework and see how other towns do it, and start here in Portage.” The City of Portage la Prairie is holding a Community Safety and Wellbeing meeting in the near future to address some of these issues. Stay posted for that news story.