Carmichael Outreach to remain open as former board member warns of financial concerns

Carmichael Outreach recently said it has nearly 8,000 people seeking assistance come through its doors every month.

Carmichael Outreach to remain open as former board member warns of financial concerns Non-profit's board says it will not be closing its doors 'anytime in the immediate future' A former board member for Carmichael Outreach has resigned from her position, calling for the rest of the board to follow her lead and warning of a dire financial situation at the organization. Mirtha Rivera said she resigned from the Regina non-profit's board this week after it was informed about significant financial challenges. Rivera declined to provide specific details about the organization's financial situation, beyond saying Carmichael needs new board members that can lay out a "viable financial plan."

"I think because of the financial situation that Carmichael is facing right now, we failed the staff, we failed the people that we serve, we failed the community," Rivera said at a news conference outside the organization's building on 12th Avenue on Thursday. Rivera said she does not want Carmichael to close, as it continues to be an important service for those in need. However, the former board member said dramatic change is necessary for the organization to continue operating.

"We need people on the board that will plan thoughtfully. I was one of them who didn't, so that's why I'm out," Rivera said. According to the most recent financial statements filed with the Canadian Revenue Agency, Carmichael Outreach reported an annual operating shortfall of $7,066 for the year ending June 30, 2025.

The non-profit also reported $168,739 in cash and bank accounts, according to its filings with the CRA. Carmichael's operations to continue: board In a statement issued on Thursday afternoon, Carmichael Outreach's board of directors acknowledged Rivera's complaints.

The statement said that like many charities across Canada, Carmichael has "faced significant financial pressures" as demand for its services has soared while charitable donations have declined. The organization confirmed earlier this week that early 8,000 people come through its doors seeking assistance every month. The statement said that in "recent weeks," the organization's board has worked with staff, volunteers, donors and community partners to strengthen its long-term financial sustainability.

Details on what steps were taken were not included in the statement. "Thanks to the extraordinary response from our community, we can confirm that our doors will remain open and services will continue without interruption anytime in the immediate future," it said. The statement thanked Rivera for her time on the board and said the other members share her belief that Carmichael is an essential organization.

The organization is inviting community members interested in supporting Carmichael Outreach to express interest in serving on the board.