"Homeless by a Wall" by garryknight is licensed under CC BY 2.0.

Because Saskatoon City Council’s role in addressing the homelessness crisis has been somewhat limited in the past, Administration is providing it with ways to get more involved.

At Wednesday’s council meeting, Saskatoon’s Housing Manager Sarah King listed some ways for the city to expand its role. They include supporting the exploration of a community land trust, undertaking a feasibility study for a community navigation centre, and coordinating specific city-wide homelessness initiatives.

King also outlined three priorities within the new Saskatoon Housing Action Plan, which were to increase the affordable housing supply, address systemic barriers to prevent homelessness, and increase and support community collaboration.

“Expanded roles and implementation of the Homelessness action plan will require further funding allocations from all levels of government to be successful,” King admits.

A council sub-committee on homelessness was also created. It will engage with community members and partners then provide recommendations back to City Council on how it could develop solutions.