Walking through downtown Moose Jaw, it’s easy to focus on the shop windows, the historic architecture, or the busy sidewalks. But for Shelan Dueck, the coordinator of the “Helping Hands” initiative, the real story of the downtown core isn’t just in the buildings, it’s in the people working to keep them clean.
Now in its second year, the “Helping Hands” program has evolved from a small pilot program into something that has meaning. Under the direction of the Downtown Moose Jaw Association (DMJA), the program has seen remarkable growth, transforming from a grant-funded experiment in 2025 into a robust, community-focused initiative that is changing the face of the city’s core.
“This year, we really wanted it to be a community project,” Dueck says, noting that the program has scaled up significantly. With roughly 30 individuals signed up this summer, the crew is larger than ever, featuring a mix of new faces and returning participants eager to contribute.
The structure is simple but effective. The crew operates three days a week for three hours a day, a schedule that provides consistent, manageable work opportunities. But for the participants who come from organizations like John Howard and Square One, this isn’t just about picking up litter. It’s about being part of something that matters.
“It made me see things in a different light,” Dueck admits, reflecting on her time as coordinator. “I see these individuals with different eyes. This program makes them feel valued, and they want to do it. It’s an opportunity that they wouldn’t otherwise have.”
The impact of the program is visible on the streets. While the crew is able and willing to tackle downtown cleanup where the need is greatest, the results have been appreciated. Dueck notes that they have encountered significantly less vandalism and fewer hazards like drug paraphernalia compared to the previous year. “They’ve spent the time to clean this, and now they like the way it looks,” she says of the participants.
The community is noticing, too. Dueck shares that passersby often stop the crew to ask what they’re doing. When they learn the mission is to keep downtown clean and inviting, the reactions are overwhelmingly positive. There is a tangible sense of pride among the workers, a feeling that they are actively contributing to the beauty of Moose Jaw.
However, the program’s success goes far beyond the look. It bridges an important gap for individuals who have often struggled to find footing in the traditional job market.
“I would like people to understand that we don’t always know an individual’s story,” Dueck explains. “It’s important to really know them and their story to understand where they came from. Some of these people have been abused and have lived in ‘fight’ mode their whole entire life. When they realize that someone believes in them, it gives them a sense of worth.”
The expectation for those workers in the Helping Hands program are treated like a regular job, providing a sense of normalcy and structure. For a business owner or a skeptical resident, the results are becoming clear. It provides a cleaner, safer, and more vibrant downtown that benefits everyone. By beautifying the streets, the program creates a more inviting environment for residents, business owners, and tourists alike.
As the 2026 season winds down with the program concluding at the end of August, the focus remains on sustainability and community integration. The DMJA’s objective for this project has always been to root it in the local community, ensuring that the work is not just about cleaning up, but about giving the workers a sense of purpose and pride in doing the work.
For Dueck, the “Helping Hands” initiative is more than just a seasonal cleanup crew. It reminds us all that beneath the surface of our downtown are people who, when given the chance and a little bit of belief, are more than happy to lend a hand.
