Province asks City to help locate compatible community shelter spaces
Following the October 6 provincial government announcement of its plan for homelessness and mental health supports, the City is being asked to assist provincial ministry officials locate compatible areas where smaller-sized shelters could operate.
The province last week outlined several strategies to address the homelessness, mental health and addictions crisis in Saskatoon and other cities. The plan calls for more supports for mental health and addictions plus a three-pillar approach to addressing homelessness.
As outlined in an Administration report to the Wednesday, October 11 meeting of Governance and Priorities Committee of City Council, the provincial government program is prepared to provide funding for all the real estate, rental and operating costs for smaller-sized shelters. There would be independent service providers to operate the shelters.
Shelters with fewer beds have operated throughout Saskatoon with minimal negative impact. As noted in the report, there are successful examples of emergency shelters in Saskatoon that are similar in size to the two sites being sought for the new facilities. The report highlights the City’s role would be limited.
The proposed criteria would be:
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Two sites providing a combined total of 60 beds
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Beds in an open shelter-type hall with movable partitions
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Some private rooms with internal access
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Area suitable for staff office space
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Kitchen, showers and bathroom facilities
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Internal and external gathering spaces on site
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Proximity to other services
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Zoned appropriately for shelter/care home or applicable for Emergency Shelter zoning provision
The provincial government announcement follows recent results from the Civic Services Survey which identifies homelessness as the most important issue facing the city.