Uncertain Future For Welfare Rights Centre

Uncertain Future For Welfare Rights Centre

Wednesday, December 08, 2010 at 13:01

The Regina Welfare Rights Centre is gaining support from a group of citizens concerned about the centre’s possible closure in February.

Friends of the Welfare Rights Centre says it wants to talk to the Ministry of Social Services and community groups about ways to maintain support services for low-income people if the centre is closed.

A ministry official recently stated that extra staff would be provided to help with cheque issues once the centre closes.

But the group is concerned that many people on low incomes will “fall through the cracks” without an agency to advocate on their behalf on issues like housing, budgeting and life skills.

The centre has been helping low-income residents with income support programs for more than 35 years.

The NDP critic for Social Services, David Forbes, says the centre helps those who really require the help.

The new group will meet this coming Monday night at the Indian and Metis Christian Fellowship Centre in Regina.