SASKATOON—As temperatures plummet, the City of Saskatoon has partnered with several organizations to conduct a Point-In-Time (PIT) Count of individuals experiencing homelessness. The initiative seeks to address the growing crisis of vulnerable individuals without permanent housing, many of whom face life-threatening conditions on the streets.
On Oct. 8, more than 200 volunteers conducted the annual PIT Count in cooperation with the Saskatoon Housing Initiatives Partnership (SHIP), the Reaching Home Community Entity in Saskatoon, and the University of Saskatchewan’s Community-University Institute for Social Research. The count revealed that 1,499 people are experiencing homelessness in the city.
The findings are concerning, with the number of people living on the streets or in temporary shelters rising to nearly three times the total from two years ago. This stark increase highlights Saskatoon’s ongoing homelessness crisis. Local officials had feared this trend, especially given the city’s harsh winters, where temperatures can drop below -40 C.
"These numbers represent only the minimum number of people affected. They help us understand the immediate need but also point to the long-term work that remains," said Lesley Anderson, director of planning and development. The results underscore the critical importance of the city’s response to homelessness.
The city has implemented an annual multi-agency Winter Emergency Response Plan, led by the Saskatoon Emergency Management Organization and supported by more than 30 local agencies. This program aims to ensure no one is left outside in the cold. The plan, which runs from Nov. 1, 2024, to March 31, 2025, offers emergency shelter, warming locations, and outreach services to connect people with resources and support.
The plan takes a comprehensive approach to homelessness, focusing on both immediate needs and long-term solutions.
Shelters such as those operated by the Salvation Army and the Saskatoon Tribal Council provide overnight accommodations for the city’s most vulnerable residents. This year, St. Mary’s Church on 20th Street has been added as a warming location, offering temporary shelter for up to 200 people during extreme cold weather.
The Saskatoon Indian Métis Friendship Centre (SIMFC) has also expanded its services to include evening and overnight warming locations, providing critical shelter for women. These locations will remain open from 6 p.m. to 9 a.m., allowing individuals to escape extreme cold without facing the stringent requirements of traditional shelters.
St. Mary’s will provide overnight accommodations for men, while the SIMFC will continue to serve women. However, additional warming locations are needed for men and families with children. Despite these efforts, local advocates stress the need for long-term solutions.
Social workers, paramedics and volunteers assist individuals experiencing homelessness by conducting wellness checks in high-risk areas, such as bus shelters and alleyways. They offer help, direct individuals to safe locations, and connect them to vital services such as addiction counselling, mental health support and housing assistance.
As the city works toward long-term goals, the urgency of Saskatoon’s homelessness crisis continues to grow. The increasing number of affected individuals has placed significant pressure on the housing system.
"This year, the need is greater than ever. We see people coming to Saskatoon from outside the city and province, all seeking help. We are becoming a hub for those in need," said Robert LaFontaine, SHIP’s executive director.
"The long-term goal is to end homelessness in Saskatoon. To achieve that, we need permanent housing solutions, more shelter spaces and a co-ordinated approach that includes all levels of government, community organizations and the people who live here."
