Last week, Saskatoon police dismantled an 80-tent encampment on the corner of 20th Street and Avenue K, leaving 120 people floundering for a place to live.  

Tuesday morning, NDP Social Services Critic April ChiefCalf stood at the old encampment site, calling on the provincial government to offer the necessary services and supports to get people off the streets.  

“They’ve being going to warming centres for three winters now. It’s not the solution to their needs. They would rather be in a tent and fending for themselves than accessing services (where) sometimes they don’t feel safe.”

The City of Saskatoon says everyone at the, now dismantled, encampment was repeatedly offered support and services, with only two people taking them up on the deal. ChiefCalf says that figure doesn’t reflect the entire number of homeless people that are searching for support.  

“They’re struggling with those barriers. I did talk to Bridge City Warmth over the weekend. They are a nonprofit volunteer organization. They have up to eight people that have reached out to them for housing, as well.”

She explains that it’s not the fact that the majority doesn’t want support; it’s the fact that the supports they need don’t exist. 

“Some of the housing that’s available in the social housing portfolio isn’t the right kind of housing for someone who’s been on the street for a while. They need supportive housing. They need transitional housing.”

The NDP will be introducing new legislation this fall which will restore direct payment of rent and utilities on behalf of those using the Saskatchewan Income Support program.