The Government of Saskatchewan announced it will be providing $1.7 million in additional funding in 2022-23 to increase the number of emergency shelter spaces in Saskatchewan by up to 15 percent this winter and help ease seasonal cost pressures for community partners. 

"Our government continues to work hand in hand with community partners to address the complex issue of homelessness," Minister of Social Services Gene Makowsky said. "This additional funding to community-based service providers is an example of how growth can work for everyone."

A Government release says the Ministry of Social Services will provide an additional $800,000 to community partners to support seasonal cost pressures, and $900,000 to increase emergency shelter capacity by up to 60 spaces this winter in Prince Albert, Saskatoon, and Regina. They say the Ministry is in discussion with some community-based service providers to determine the number of additional emergency shelter spaces in each community.

The release says the ministry is also working to collaborate with Indigenous and community partners and all levels of government to seek new approaches to better support individuals who need more than a home to remain connected to housing. The additional funding for emergency shelters provides more support during the upcoming winter months, while work continues to seek longer-term actions to address chronic homelessness.