Homelessness in Saskatoon has risen sharply, with the latest point-in-time count on Oct. 16 identifying 1,931 people without stable housing—a 30 per cent increase from 2023 and more than triple the 550 recorded in 2022. Saskatoon Tribal Council Chief Mark Arcand called the trend alarming, emphasizing that poverty and the rising cost of living are pushing more people— including seniors without addictions or mental-health issues—into homelessness because they simply cannot afford rent or food. Last year, over 80 percent of counted individuals identified as Indigenous, though detailed 2024 demographics are not yet released.
Lesley Anderson, the city’s director of planning and development, said low income remains the strongest predictor of homelessness. On the day of the count, all emergency shelters were full. The 1,931 individuals were found across various situations: 725 unsheltered, 151 in encampments, 327 in emergency shelters, 444 in transitional housing, 47 in hospitals or jails, and 237 experiencing hidden homelessness such as couch surfing.
United Way representative Gary Beaudin said the numbers reflect rising demand for services and highlight the need to address poverty through improved access to jobs, education, and mental-health supports. With homelessness now the top concern among residents, the city is exploring a centralized service hub and has expanded a downtown warming centre to 24/7 operations.
Read the full story on CBC: