Saskatoon Tribal Council hopes to battle homelessness before winter sets in

There are more and more people living on Saskatoon streets by the day, and, according to a First Nations leader, it’s only going to get worse.

According to the Saskatoon Fire Department, there are approximately 100 people in the city who are searching for a home with no real options.

Saskatoon Tribal Council (STC) Chief Mark Arcand is currently working on a plan to give homeless people a temporary place to stay. He believes it’s important to give these people more than just a place to rest when it’s all said and done.

“I’ve got multiple locations that I’m looking at very closely to have the best possible service,” Arcand said. “When we talk about a temporary shelter, I look at it as more than that. I want to look at it as a wellness place that actually brings services to people with medical, mental health, and addictions (issues).”

There are several potential locations being looked at.  Warehouses and churches are at the top of his list.

Arcand said the STC wants to make sure it’s doing everything the right way.

“We’re asking the city to do a temporary bylaw to accommodate this request,” he said. “We’re not trying to get in trouble, or do anything wrong.”

There are several factors as to why there are more and more people looking for a home in the city. The pandemic is a major reason why things are the way they are.

“COVID has had a tremendous impact on any individual, (and) it’s mental health. It has led to more addictions, and a large number of overdoses,” Arcand said.

Arcand says it’s going to cost roughly $400,000 for a four-month period beginning in December to run the program properly.

With proper programs in place to assist those in need, the hope is to move these people into permanent home situations by the end of March.