Winter clothing drive set for Oct. 10, hosted by Red Deer Native Friendship Centre

“We’re trying to break down the bias about people experiencing homelessness. People assume that when someone is homeless, it automatically means that person is bringing drugs and crime to where they’re living. This isn’t true,” says Joshua Ennig, RDNFS program specialist.

“At RDNFS, we serve all kinds of people, from families to seniors and those experiencing homelessness.”

Donations will be received, and then the RDNFS team will use information it has available to determine how best to distribute it. Families, seniors, and otherwise low-income folks, including those who are homeless, will all benefit.

Vulnerable folks are just like everyone else, and deserve the help, says Lexi Quintal, RDNFS housing case manager.

“With the way the economy is these days, we’re all really just one step or one decision away that could take us down and change the trajectory of our lives,” says Quintal, who points out rising costs related to groceries, school supplies gas, mortgages and rent. “We want to bring kindness and appreciation to the forefront with our clothing drive.”

At last count in 2022, Red Deer’s homeless population had risen to 334, from 144 in 2018.

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More information about the Red Deer Native Friendship Society is at rdnfs.com.

by Josh Hall (Twitter: @Vancan19)

Winter clothing drive set for Oct. 10, hosted by Red Deer Native Friendship Centre

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