Resolutions

Whereas the Government of Saskatchewan announced funding for a new Provincial Approach to Homelessness (PATH) in October 2023; and

Whereas the PATH program is investing $40.2 million in 2024 and 2025 to create 155 new supportive housing spaces, 120 new permanent emergency shelter spaces, and enhance community safety and outreach responses that include 30 new complex needs emergency shelter spaces in Saskatchewan; and

Whereas 100% of the funding for new supportive housing spaces has been allocated entirely to Regina and Saskatoon; and

Whereas supportive housing is a critical component in an effective system to address homelessness, and provides a crucial step for individuals experiencing homelessness to cease using emergency shelters; and

Whereas supportive housing provides on-site and visiting support and connection to wrap-around services to help individuals with housing insecurity find stability; and

Whereas municipalities in Saskatchewan outside Regina and Saskatoon have performed Point in Time (PiT) counts in 2024 and are experiencing a major increase in homelessness.

Therefore be it resolved that SUMA advocate the Government of Saskatchewan to provide funding to all municipalities in Saskatchewan for both Emergency Shelter Spaces and Low-Barrier Supportive Housing Spaces.

Acts affected: None

Dear Randy Goulden:

Thank you for your letter regarding the adopted resolutions from Saskatchewan Urban Municipalities Association's (SUMA) 120^th Annual Convention.

The Government of Saskatchewan has invested $40M in the Provincial Approach to Homelessness (PATH) initiative to improve outcomes for people experiencing homelessness. This includes opening 140 emergency shelter spaces, 155 supportive housing spaces, and 30 complex needs shelter spaces. In 2025-26, the Saskatchewan Housing Corporation (SHC) is budgeting $22.3M for homelessness services and will also provide a three per cent increase for community-based organizations (CBOs) providing emergency shelter services. PATH also funds a continuum of services with targeted supports that are aligned with the needs of individuals experiencing homelessness, mental health issues or addictions.

SHC partners with CBOs to increase supportive housing, with 46 leases and 10 agreements as of December 31, 2024. In 2025-26, SHC is investing $950K in street outreach services in several communities. In 2023, St. Joseph's Addiction Recovery Centre in Estevan opened housing units for 32 individuals in post-treatment recovery, supported by a $950K investment.

Thank you for your voice of Saskatchewan1s communities and municipalities and for advocating for the most vulnerable in our province.

Sincerely,

Terry Jenson

Minister of Social Services