Saskatoon’s new downtown homeless shelter on Pacific Avenue reached full capacity on its April 1 opening.
Shawna Konotopski was one of the first guests.
“It’s better than all the other shelters — way better,” Konotopski said.
Being able to secure her belongings in a bin or locker is what Konotopski said sets the shelter apart.
“All the other shelters, you have to keep your stuff on you, and it gets stolen. Here, they have lockers,” she said.
The Mustard Seed, a Christian non-profit from Alberta, has been hired by the province to run the shelter.
The facility will be open 24/7 and offer three meals a day. Staff served perogies, ham and carrots for the first dinner.
All 40 beds at the shelter were full on opening night — the same day the city’s two temporary warm-up shelters closed for the season.
“I think it probably played a role with us being full, and it probably will play a role moving forward,” said Samantha Lowe, senior director of shelter operations with the Mustard Seed.
“If we are full, we will be calling the other shelters, trying to find them a warm space and doing a warm handoff.”
Lowe told CTV News the goal of the shelter is to help people find permanent, stable housing.
Ahead of opening day, the city gathered feedback from local businesses and residents.
Based on the discussions, fencing was added around the perimeter and shelter guests can only use the entrance from Ontario Avenue.
Lowe said it won’t allow encampments or loitering.
The shelter offers guests the option to reserve a bed for that night — it’s something Konotopski did for Wednesday night.
“If it wasn’t for here, I’d be still on the streets,” she said. “I’m happy that it’s open, finally.”
