Carmichael Outreach Clients lead community clean-up in Regina

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

Carmichaelserves many people inRegina's homeless community by giving outfood and clothing and hostinga needle exchange through the Regina Qu'Appelle Health Region.

Nicholas Olsen is a housing support worker atCarmichaelOutreach.

"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, Carmichaelexchanged more590,000 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 volunteersgenerally find between20-50 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 Carmichaelhelps 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 theCarmichaelcommunity and the greater community connected," said Olsen.

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