Saskatoon’s homeless population nearly doubled this year

Saskatoon’s homeless population is projected to more than double within a year, with the fire department reporting 683 inadequately housed individuals from January to mid-September, compared to 366 last year. This trend raises concerns among city councillors, prompting the approval of a temporary downtown shelter. Assistant Fire Chief Yvonne Raymer highlighted that the number of encampments has also surged, with 932 recorded so far this year, indicating a broader homelessness crisis across nearly every neighborhood.

Raymer noted challenges in cleaning up encampments, as individuals often refuse support, complicating efforts. Factors contributing to the increase in homelessness include Saskatoon’s role as a service hub for smaller communities and the presence of evacuees from events like wildfires. Many individuals, once connected to services, choose to remain in Saskatoon instead of returning home.

Mayor Charlie Clark remarked on the unusual full capacity of shelters during summer, a typically quieter time. The council approved a temporary shelter with 30 to 40 beds but emphasized that this is insufficient to address the growing crisis. Councillors expressed concerns about the province’s lack of detailed data on homelessness, which is crucial for effective response strategies.

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