Non-profits feeling the impact as inflation rate reaches new high

Canada’s inflation rate hit a new 31-year high in April as every-day items continued to rise in price.

Not only is that troubling for people struggling to make ends meet, it’s a challenge for non-profits looking to provide support for less-fortunate people.

Joseph Miller, the executive director of Souls Harbour Rescue Mission, says the organization has seen a very significant spike in people needing its services.

“We’re seeing new faces, people that we haven’t seen before,” Miller said. “The numbers are increasing, they are going up, there are more people in need, and more people trying to make ends meet.

“I can tell you that our numbers are up compared to pre-pandemic. I can tell you that alcoholism and drug use is up significantly compared to pre-pandemic. We see more people coming through trying to get access to our services that are under the influence in some form or another. I just see more people hurting.”

The same statement has been echoed by the Regina Food Bank, with the organization saying it has started making dozens more hampers a day compared to months prior.

In order to adjust to additional costs, Miller says Souls Harbour had to make some changes to how it distributes meals recently.

“We serve meats five days a week; we may actually reduce that to four or something like that,” he said. “We still are trying to get a well-balanced meal with meat, a salad, fruit and some form of beverage.

“We’ve been dropping things like desserts in order to try and offset some costs.”

Despite new people needing some help as new costs add up, Miller says the community is still rallying in support.

“The community has not stopped supporting us in any way. I think they’ve become somewhat sacrificial, in that they’re maybe doing less for themselves but still helping us help others that are in more dire circumstances,” he said.

Miller reiterated that organizations like Souls Harbour are always accepting donations.