The Regina Street Team is expanding its outreach services beyond downtown Regina thanks to new provincial funding. The Saskatchewan government has allocated $205,000 for this year and up to $325,000 annually starting next year, as announced by Minister of Social Services Gene Makowsky. Launched in May by the Regina Downtown Business Improvement District (RDBID), the team currently responds to non-emergency calls from individuals who are homeless or in mental health crises. The expansion will enable the team to serve a broader area and improve access to various services, including treatment, detox, shelter, and permanent housing.
Jason Knudsen, a team member, expressed excitement about the increased capacity to assist more people. Mayor Sandra Masters supported the expansion, highlighting its importance for public safety and business vitality. She noted the rise in visible substance use and homelessness and emphasized the need for a balanced approach that includes both crisis support and long-term solutions.
The funding is part of a larger $665,000 provincial investment in social services. Masters praised the Street Team’s role in reducing downtown social disorder and providing a non-police response to non-criminal issues, which helps free up police resources and improve service delivery.
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