Two new seasonal drop-in centres will open in Saskatoon on June 15 to support individuals experiencing homelessness, including youth aged 16 and older.
The centres are part of a partnership between the Government of Saskatchewan, the Saskatoon Tribal Council (STC) and the City of Saskatoon. One site will operate during the day for adults, while the other will provide overnight services for youth.
"Together with the Saskatoon Tribal Council and the City of Saskatoon, we are working as quickly as possible to meet the emerging needs we are seeing in the community," said Social Services Minister Terry Jenson. "Saskatoon Tribal Council has been an invaluable partner in providing Indigenous-led, culturally reflective services founded on their ability to build meaningful relationships and trusting bonds with individuals and families experiencing homelessness."
The daytime drop-in centre, located at Station 20 West, will operate from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. It is jointly funded by the province and the City of Saskatoon and operated by STC. The centre will offer a safe space and connect individuals to services such as emergency shelter, housing supports, mental health and recovery programs, and coordinated access through STC’s Sawēyihtotān project.
“The urgency could not be clearer, this partnership is a critical step in creating safe spaces for vulnerable people in Saskatoon,” said Mayor Cynthia Block. “The City is committed to keeping the momentum going and working closely with our partners to open centres that are Indigenous-led and grounded in community.”
An overnight drop-in centre for youth aged 16 and older will also launch on June 15 at the White Buffalo Youth Lodge. Operating from 10 p.m. to 8 a.m., it will offer food, a place to rest, laundry and shower access, and on-site support including case planning, referrals, and guidance from an elder.
"These two new drop-in centres will offer safety, dignity and support when it is needed most," said Tribal Chief Mark Arcand. "Homelessness disproportionately impacts Indigenous people, and we cannot ignore that reality. These facilities will help keep people safe and create opportunities for us to do what the Saskatoon Tribal Council does best: building trust and connection with our relatives. That is the first step toward linking them with the wraparound supports and services that can truly change lives. Real solutions come when governments and community partners work together, and that is exactly what we are doing."
The centres are part of the province’s broader $40.2 million Provincial Approach to Homelessness. The strategy includes funding for new emergency shelter spaces, supportive housing, complex needs responses, and other community-based initiatives across Saskatchewan.
The government says these new services in Saskatoon are intended to respond to increasing demand and will complement existing programs while centring Indigenous leadership and community collaboration.