In a partnership with the province, the Saskatoon Tribal Council plans to open a new and expanded Emergency Wellness Center in November.
The EWC will move out of downtown and will now be located at 415 Fairmont Drive in Saskatoon which was purchased by the province for $5 million dollars and will be leased to STC.
The new location will be able to house a total of 106 people. Seventy-five beds from the current EWC and 31 new beds are being moved by the government following the closure of the Lighthouse.
STC will provide holistic support and services to meet cultural, mental health, addictions, and supporting housing needs, at a cost of $536,000 through April 30, 2023.
“Homelessness is not a definition and homelessness has many faces. Those faces are of all ages, ethnic backgrounds, and or heritage.” STC Tribal Chief Mark Arcand said. “Changing the homeless landscape is up to everyone! Everyone has to buy in and believe in a better community or things will never change.”
In the partnership, STC will be responsible for ongoing maintenance and day-to-day operations of the building. Saskatchewan Housing Corporation will be responsible for any capital replacements such as roof or heating systems.
The doors at the old location on First Avenue will remain open and will be used during the cold weather strategy to ensure no relatives are left in the cold during the transition.
