Saskatoon Homelessness

Homelessness in our city is real. Individuals and families live day to day without a home and are faced with the instability, risk and volatility this brings to their lives. Some live on the street, many live at shelters, many more live in inappropriate and unsafe situations. It is emotionally and physically devastating for people who live this reality. The problem of homelessness reflects poorly on our community’s ability to take care of vulnerable citizens. Families and individuals who are homeless are forced to use emergency services, often inappropriately, in order to survive. Critical needs often remain unmet, such as access to income support, medical care or prescriptions, food, clothing, transportation and for children, attachment to school. The stability that comes with having a home of your own cannot be overstated. Every person in our city needs a home that is safe, affordable and appropriate. To address homelessness in Saskatoon, the Saskatoon Homelessness Action Plan was developed. It will enable all stakeholders including those who are homeless, direct service providers, Aboriginal leaders, allies and local, provincial, federal governments to work together sharing an agenda for change. Saskatoon’s Plan will maximize the strengths and innovation that characterize our community and will help us achieve our vision that 'Homelessness will be rare, brief, and non-recurring in Saskatoon'. The Saskatoon Housing Initiatives (SHIP) will be directly involved with supporting the plan, and facilitating collective action to address homelessness in Saskatoon.