Examining extreme weather and homelessness
The case study based at the University of Regina is analyzing the community support available for people experiencing homelessness in Regina during extreme weather events such as intense temperatures or precipitation. The project team is examining the City of Regina’s Extreme Weather Strategy and developing recommendations to build on the strategy to better serve the needs of people experiencing homelessness or precarious housing. Through participant observation at municipal meetings and planning events, volunteer efforts with frontline organizations serving people experiencing homelessness, and interviews with City officials and members of key community organizations, data is being gathered to better understand the lived experience of people experiencing homelessness as well as activities and opportunities to support people experiencing homelessness related to severe weather impacts.
The project team includes:
- Academic partners: Amber Fletcher, Professor, Sociology; Laurie Clune, Associate Professor, Nursing; Colleen Strauch, Director, Nonprofit Voluntary Sector Studies Network, Luther College; and University of Regina Master’s student Adhika Ezra
- Community partners: Namerind Housing Corporation, a nonprofit organization working toward the provision of affordable housing for Indigenous people; City of Regina Extreme Weather Committee and Community Wellbeing Branch