Homeless community dejected after shelter plan scrapped by Regina city council [Video]

People in need of housing are feeling dejected by Regina city council’s decision to scrap opening a permanent emergency shelter near the corner of Albert Street and Dewdney Avenue.

Those in need of the shelter believe council’s opposition to the facility was driven by fear and misunderstanding.

“It makes us kind of upset that we’re not welcome anywhere. I mean we’re not bad people, just kind of had a hard time with our lives,” shelter resident Toby Kelsch said.

Council voted against establishment of a permanent shelter after facing neighborhood opposition.

“We look a bit rough because we don’t shower as much and we don’t eat as much as everybody else but we are decent people,” Kelsch said.

Audrey Kaiswatum is living in emergency housing at the YWCA. She feels supported but is concerned about the message sent by city council’s decision.

“People are just throwing us aside and saying …