Saskatoon officials are considering the establishment of a centralized service hub for homeless individuals, with potential locations expected to be identified by spring. The city council committee unanimously voted to further investigate the concept of a “centralized navigation hub” to meet the growing demand for services.
Mayor Cynthia Block advocated for a single central location rather than multiple smaller hubs dispersed across different areas. Block highlighted her participation in the annual challenge by the Sanctum Care Group, where participants endure 36 hours of homelessness. She emphasized the challenges faced in accessing essential services due to long distances and closure of facilities when needed.
Feedback from service providers and homeless individuals during the challenge underscored the necessity for a centralized service hub. The proposed hub could offer a range of services, including healthcare support, transportation assistance, housing resources, employment aid, and cultural programs. Amenities such as washrooms, showers, food, laundry facilities, pet accommodations, and counseling services may also be provided.
Ward 7 Coun. Holly Kelleher initiated the motion to pursue a single centralized hub instead of smaller scattered locations. Mayor Block cautioned that failure to establish a central hub could impede progress, citing a successful example in Yorkton.
The estimated cost of establishing the hub ranges from $8.7 million to $32 million, depending on whether an existing structure is repurposed or a new facility is constructed. Ongoing operational expenses are projected to be between $2.6 million and $3.4 million. The committee supported engaging with other government levels to explore potential funding contributions for the hub.
Concerns were raised about potential service concentration on one side of the city and the city hall’s expanding responsibilities. The vote took place a day before the annual point-in-time homelessness count in Saskatoon, with expectations of a higher count this year compared to previous years.
Additionally, the committee approved $550,000 for sidewalk extension and fence construction at the site of the permanent 60-bed provincial shelter on 170 31st Street West. Criticism was voiced against the proposed shelter’s location by Don Scott, director of the Western Academy Broadcasting College, highlighting concerns about replicating issues from previous shelter facilities in the area.
Scott expressed apprehension about the impact of the shelter on nearby schools and neighborhoods, emphasizing the need to address homelessness while raising issues associated with the proposed shelter location.
