Number of homeless people counted in Saskatoon nearly triples

The recent homeless count in Saskatoon has revealed a staggering increase in the number of individuals experiencing homelessness compared to the count conducted two years ago. On October 8, volunteers identified 1,499 people without stable housing, nearly three times higher than the count of 550 in 2022.

Lesley Anderson, the director of planning and development for the City of Saskatoon, emphasized that the count represents the minimum number of individuals facing homelessness in the city. The initiative was carried out by the city in collaboration with various organizations, including the Saskatoon Housing Initiatives Partnership and the Community-University Institute for Social Research at the University of Saskatchewan, along with over 200 volunteers.

Further data from the count will be disclosed in the upcoming Saskatoon PiT Community Report. The previous report from 2022 revealed that a significant percentage of those counted identified as Indigenous, and a high proportion reported experiencing chronic homelessness.

The alarming increase in homelessness underscores the urgent need for substantial investments in housing, as stated by Katelyn Roberts, the executive director of Sanctum Care Group in Saskatoon. She emphasized the lack of access to essential services and supports for individuals to recover from trauma and meet their basic needs, reflecting the failure of Saskatchewan as a society to care for its most vulnerable population.

Saskatoon Mayor Cynthia Block acknowledged the challenges faced by municipalities in addressing homelessness and appealed for assistance from the provincial and federal governments. She highlighted the changing landscape of homelessness in the city and the limitations faced by local authorities in providing adequate support.

One homeless individual, Samantha Weeseekase, shared her experience of being homeless in Saskatoon for the first time. She mentioned the difficulties of finding shelter and warmth during the harsh winter nights, relying on city shelters and public facilities to survive. Weeseekase attributed her homelessness to high rent and addiction, expressing a desire to seek help despite the limited resources available for homeless individuals.

The narrative of homelessness in Saskatoon reflects a broader societal issue that necessitates collaborative efforts and sustainable solutions to address the root causes of homelessness. As the city grapples with the escalating crisis, it is imperative for stakeholders at all levels to prioritize housing stability and support services for those in need.