Rhino’s Ramblings - Mission Closes

By Robert Thomas Opinion/Commentary

The big news of the past week was the non-announcement and closure of Riverside Mission ran for the last six years by Souls Harbour Rescue Mission out of Regina.

The closure left many people asking two questions: what happened? And what’s next?

With Joe Miller executive director of Souls Harbour declining most requests for media comment it’s left a major information vaccum in the minds of many Moose Jaw residents.

CBC Regina requested comment to a response to make things simpler the only response would be to Moose Jaw Today.

Now I’ll admit it does keep things simpler for Souls Harbour. There is just one interview and one time to re-state your facts but at the same time it also limits the amount of questions.

What I can tell you though at the present time the article we published has the most complete reasons why Riverside Mission is closed.

How we got that we are not about to disclose. But let’s just say we’ve been getting the mail for an extended period of time as the best way to describe it.

The tone of the email is a bitter one that takes direct aim at the City of Moose Jaw, unnamed local construction firms, other unnamed individuals and the lack of public support.

Additionally the present Manitoba Street location of Riverside Mission is said to be beyond repair to meet government code.

There are some who got ahold of me over the past few days who’ve asked me if it’s just grandstanding to get public support and I’ve replied I don’t think so.

A $5 million new facility is just beyond Souls Harbour’s fundraising abilities - fundraising that in my opinion has been lacklustre. People and businesses either don’t have the money or they aren’t interested.

But things could have been much different.

Souls Harbour proposed new Riverside Mission location on River Street West will now not be developed as the plug has been pulled - MJ Independent file photo

Years back I remember speaking to the Moose Jaw and District Food Bank about their then proposed new facility and in the conversation Riverside Mission came up.

And yes I can confirm I was told there had been talks between the Mission and the Food Bank combining forces in a joint facility.

Talks which went nowhere.

The Food Bank never told me why things didn’t work out between them and the Mission but it should be noted Soul’s Harbour new facility was going to be doing food distribution.

I can’t tell you exactly what that meant but I’m wondering if there wouldn’t have been some sort of duplication of services going on.

But all of that is history as Souls Harbours board have tossed in the towel and there is just too much and in my opinion too much bad blood to salvage that ship.

I will be honest and tell you I’ve heard from more than a few people who are jumping for joy with Souls Harbour leaving.

And no it’s not businesses or business groups but also everyday ordinary people who associate the Mission with attracting - and not helping to alleviate - homelessness to the downtown core.

Coincidentally the same week Souls Harbour announced the Mission’s closure the Moose Jaw and District Chamber of Commerce started surveying their members about the effects of homelessness and crime on their businesses.

Sticker on downtown apartment warning would be trespassers - sleeping in entranceways - can be dealt with by the police - MJ Independent file photo

The Chamber wants to know how much of a problem and cost from homelessness, addictions and mental illness has had on local business.

It’s a fairly comprehensive online survey that asks everything from people pooping in inappropriate places, petty crime, fear and associated costs businesses have incurred.

Sorry I cannot tell you if the Chamber will be making the results of the anonymous survey public but just it’s very existence shows potential major problems have been identified.

It’s not just the Good Neighbour Group (GNG) who has noticed problems from homelessness, mental health and addictions perhaps.

But what now? Is the obvious question.

With Riverside Mission officially gone what is the next step? And how do you get people working together in an issue with at least five different sides to it?

I suppose a person could safely say the religious saving of souls to Christ - the premise Riverside Mission operated on - is gone in any potential solution.

There is no large religious group with sufficient funds to take over the vacuum of Riverside Mission closure.

Then there is also lest just suffice it to say a very strong current of support to do nothing. Without services the homeless will move on is a major theme here.

The City has offered to help in a statement but if you look at the undercurrent of Council’s decision to not be Square One’s landlord it’s obvious the City has washed their hands of any financial responsibility.

For the short term the assorted advocacy and religious groups will pitch in with the meal program. But volunteers and supplies in time will dwindle.

Everyone is stretched out financially at the grocery store it seems.

We are, whether you agree with me or not, looking at an industry largely supported by the provincial government.

The Province already funds the 15 bed Willow Lodge emergency shelter through the John Howard Society.

Will they be enticed to fund more beds and services is the big question that needs to be asked.

And if they do pay for additional bandages after that then what?