SASKATOON — The Wellness Centre operated by the Saskatoon Tribal Council began operations on Wednesday morning with the first occupant to be welcomed at 8 p.m.
The Wellness Centre was supposed to open last Monday, but inspectors were not yet done checking the HVAC where it needs to meet air circulation and exchange requirements.
STC Chief Mark Arcand said they need to make sure the facility is safe, and up to fire and health codes before allowing people to stay and staff to work. Maintaining a safe atmosphere is set on the city building application.
STC said inspectors finished their assessment and the Centre passed all inspection requirements, where the facility is guaranteed to be safe to accommodate homeless people and the staff that will be assisting their needs.
The Centre can accommodate 50 people and Arcand said the multi-agency initiative aims is to help house the homeless as winter weather creeps in and settles in the next three to four months.
“The Wellness Centre is a temporary solution to the systemic issue of homelessness, with long-term potential to help our relatives (Wahkohmakanak) off the streets. This is an Indigenous-led solution for everyone who needs it. STC is proud to lead by example and help our community,” said Arcand.
Arcand said they are also reaching out to local non-profit organizations and other sectors of the community to support the Centre as they need additional funds and in-kind donations like food and clothing.
STC will be providing all contact information to all of its partners and the community, and will also place details on their website.
STC leads the Wellness Centre project with the support of the City government, the Saskatoon Police Service, the Saskatoon Fire Department, the Saskatchewan Health Authority, Possibilities Recovery Centre, and Sanctum Care Group Inc.
Hoits Contracting Ltd. And Aquifer Distribution Group, each owned by Clinton Poitras and Glenn Wig, helped prepare the Centre. They said they are dedicated in helping members of the community that don’t have access to decent living spaces.
SPS will be providing a security and operations plan for the area within the Centre and the SFD made sure that the building is safe for occupancy. The Center will also have round-the-clock security while drugs and alcohol are not allowed inside.
The SHA, Possibilities Recovery Centre and Sanctum Care will be assisting with wrap-around support with mental health and addiction counselling, and offering life skills opportunities that will be integrated in the housing plan.
SHA-Saskatoon Primary Health Care director Cristina Ugolini said their agency welcomed this initiative stated by STC in trying to find a solution the challenges of the homeless in the City, especially with the weathers starting to dip further below zero.
“Having access to an additional 50 shelter beds, supporting a wellness model will not only help get people get out of the cold, but will potentially link them to other appropriate health and social services to better support their needs. This can also help to reduce some of the pressures our emergency departments struggle with on a daily basis as many use the ED as shelter in times of challenge,” said Ugolini.
Tanner Perrat, Possibilities Recovery Centre business manager, said it’s a big reward for them to see people overcome mental health challenges. We've been gifted this knowledge to share without discrimination, and our duty is to find a way to make that possible."
Sanctum executive director Katelyn Roberts added that their primary purpose is dignified care for all.
“The need to support the most vulnerable in our community. Housing is a basic human right, and we are proud to support the important work of STC as they endeavour to support those who are experiencing homelessness in this greatest time of need."
Stays at the Centre will be from December this year up to March 31, 2020 but can be extended up to April 30 depending on the weather. COVID-19 testing and safety procedures will be strictly followed, where those who will test positive will be isolated from the rest of the occupants.
