Brent Patterson says living conditions at the government housing facility he calls home in Moose Jaw have drastically fallen in recent years.

Human feces in the elevators, people abandoning needles in the hallways and streaks of vandalism have led to residents at Moose Jaw’s High Park Towers not feeling safe in their homes.

“When I went to Hyde Park tower, it was for seniors … [now] we’ve had as young as 18-19-year-olds and people with addictions,” Patterson explained.

“I dont have any hard feelings against the staff of Moose Jaw housing, theyre doing their job. Theyre doing the best they can. However, I blame the Premier of Saskatchewan for allowing this to happen.”

Patterson was one of three High Park residents who visited the legislature Monday, at the invitation of the Saskatchewan NDP, highlighting the dire situation their home has fallen into.

Because of the issues, staff have begun to lock up the common area and restrict access to the building itself in the early evening.

“The buzzers are cut off at eight oclock until eight oclock in the morning,” Patterson explained.

“A lot of people say its like being in jail. Ive never had that problem in the past. But we do have it now.”

Opposition Housing Critic Meara Conway says High Park is meant for residents 55 and older – but residents of all ages, including those with mental health issues have been allowed to live there with no supports.

“What Im hearing is not only is there no supportive housing offered here – they dont even have a tenant coordinator right now.” Conway told reporters.

“They dont even have a liaison. Theyve been off since July. Theres no one. So this is not a good situation.”

According to Patterson, cockroaches and ventilation issues are rampant in some units. Many residents are unable to afford a TV – adding to the isolation.

“We feel like we just dont matter. You know?” he said. “What an awful thought. What an awful feeling.”

Monday’s visit to the legislature is not the first attempt by High Park residents to get help from the province.

“We approached our MLA (Greg Lawrence) and he came there and he took pictures of certain things and he said hed get back to us,” he said.

“That was before COVID hit and were still waiting for him to get back.”

Minister of Social Services Gene Makowsky told reporters that he would be looking into the situation at High Park.

When asked, Makowsky said intermixing people with complex needs including mental health and addictions with seniors is not the government’s policy.

“There are challenges with putting people with complex needs, mental health and addictions and whatever it may be – in with seniors. Its not that simple. We cant just do that,” he explained.

“So from what I understand that maybe is the case. I want to follow up with these individuals and see what the situation is but thats definitely not a policy with Sask. Housing.”

Makowsky pointed to recent funding announcements for supportive housing as action the province is taking on the issue.

Going into his 11th year at High Park – Patterson says it’s sad to see his home undergo such a drastic negative change.

“I wanted to go to High Park because there was a lot of activities, there was seniors. There was always something to do and it was a nice place. You felt safe. You felt comfortable,” Patterson said.

“Now its gone downhill. I dont blame Moose Jaw Housing, but I do blame the Premier of Saskatchewan. Like, do something.”