Extreme weather prompts emergency access to Saskatoon homeless shelters

The temperature required for people to gain access to Saskatoon homeless shelters – no questions asked – has changed.

The Saskatoon Cold Weather Strategy takes effect when the temperature or wind chill falls to -30 C. Last winter, it was -40 C.

READ MORE: Sask. government urges safety in 2016 Cold Weather Strategy

After -30 C, Saskatchewan’s Ministry of Social Services will grant emergency funding for people to access shelters, according to Shaun Dyck, executive director of the Saskatoon Housing Initiatives Partnership.

“With the Ministry of Social Services, at that point where the cold weather alert is issued, they will agree to funding per diems based on the need and people appearing at the shelters,” Dyck said.

READ MORE: Saskatchewan government cuts funding to Lighthouse stabilization unit

The Lighthouse has seen a steep increase in the number of people visiting its location since the temperatures dropped in the past week.

“We haven’t had to do any overflow in the dining area or the lounge area. We’re able to keep them in the shelters,” said the facility’s frontline manager, Leanne McIntyre.

The consequences of staying outdoors was clear in November 2014 after the body of a 42-year-old man was found in an abandoned semi-trailer in Saskatoon.

Transportation is available for people in need through the following agencies:

• Ministry of Social Services: 306-933-5960,
• Salvation Army: 306-244-6280,
• Lighthouse Mobile Outreach: 306-653-0538,
• EGADZ Outreach Van: 306-221-3719.

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