Count of Saskatoon's Homeless Population: Research Findings - 2008

The Community-University Institute for Social Research (CUISR) conducted the first count of Saskatoon’s homeless population on May 22, 2008. The purpose of the project was to count the homeless population and determine their service use patterns and needs. The results will be used to inform service delivery and better serve the needs of Saskatoon’s homeless population. The data collected indicate that homelessness is a problem in Saskatoon and that further policy discussions and actions are required.

The project had two components:

- An enumeration, which counted the number of homeless individuals staying in emergency shelters and transitional housing (hereafter service providers) and outdoors

- A street needs assessment, which was a survey examining homeless individuals’ service use patterns and needs.

Data were collected at four of the city’s five emergency shelters and six of the 18 transitional housing service providers. Nineteen outdoor survey areas were identified in consultation with community groups that work with homeless individuals. The number of individuals reporting no fixed address was collected from the Gordie Howe campground, Larson House Detox Centre, and McLeod House. The number of individuals referred to hotels on the evening of the count by the Salvation Army was also collected.

The project was funded through Service Canada’s Homelessness Partnering Strategy.

Publication Date: 
2008
Location: 
Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada