While seeing over 4000 visits in two months, and over 550 different women, the new women’s warm up centre on Avenue C is also seeing a need for more amenities.

Saskatoon Tribal Council Tribal Chief Mark Arcand explains the building, a former restaurant, is operating with just one shower and only a few washing machines.

“We’ve got some in there, but we could always use more. The need is so much. When we look at numbers on a daily basis, I think our highest number was about 120 people in one day. Imagine. One washer set is not going to happen. So, it’s still a challenge. I think our lowest number was 80 people per day, which is still high.”

However, he is proud to say since November 7th, 53 women have been relocated to emergency shelter beds, 9 women were given detox support, and ten women were assisted in finding housing.

Arcand says although everyone is welcome, the centre’s zero-tolerance policy of drugs and weapons has turned some people away, as they are not ready to give up their vices.

“It’s unfortunate, but it tells us those people aren’t ready for service or help or anything like that. At the end of the day, they have to follow the rules. It’s because if we don’t have rules and regulations, then we don’t have safety for themselves, for the other women, for our staff, and potentially for the community in that area.”

He adds that there needs to be more of these types of shelters in different locations across the city. The STC-operated women’s shelter is located just two doors down from the Salvation Army, a men-only shelter.

“I expressed before, I didn’t think it was a good location because it’s too much in one neighborhood,” he explains. “But we’re doing the best we can.”

He says the STC always appreciates community support, and he encourages the public to stop by with donations such as socks or food.