Province supports STC homeless outreach project with $350,000 grant

The provincial government is continuing its support for a homeless outreach program in Saskatoon.

On Wednesday, the government announced a new grant of $350,000 for the Sawêyihtotân Project, which is administered by the Saskatoon Tribal Council (STC).

The outreach project, which began with a pilot in 2020, uses a holistic approach based on Indigenous teachings to support those who are homeless and have complex needs as they work through stabilization and transitional housing before eventually acquiring a permanent place to live.

“Along with providing access to short- and long-term housing, STC also offers outreach services, daily health check-ins, transportation assistance and meal delivery,” the Ministry of Social Services said in a statement. “Sawêyihtotân has also improved access to detox services, reduced the rate of unlawful inhabitations and improved safety in downtown Saskatoon.”

Sawêyihtotân is pronounced “suh-WAY-EE-TOTE-tahn,” and means “to bless each other through our show of respect for each other,” the Ministry of Social Services explained.

STC Tribal Chief Mark Arcand said the program provides opportunities for connections through culture and improves the quality of life of its clients.

Gene Makowsky, Saskatchewan’s social services minister. (650 CKOM file photo)

“Through programs such as Sawêyihtotân, STC remains committed to being a part of the solution to break down barriers related to mental illness, addictions, income and safe housing support. Our focus is to support the well-being of all people,” Arcand said in a statement.

Gene Makowsky, Saskatchewan’s social services minister, said the government plans to continue supporting the tribal council’s programs, which align with the government’s goals.

“We will continue to work with STC as part of our objective to help people participate in their communities and become self-sufficient to the best of their abilities,” Makowsky said in a statement.

The social services ministry also works with STC on its mobile workforce initiative, the ministry noted, which helps clients with complex needs access services by placing income assistance workers at community-based organizations.