Winter in Saskatoon

If you are in Saskatoon right now, you just survived a really cold snap and even though it has warmed up quite a bit, it is still cold outside.

Many people phone and e-mail and ask what do we do when it gets this cold.  Well we do a bunch of things to make sure that no one is left out in the cold.

• During the day we open our lounge up for clients so they can stay out of the cold.  While normally we close down the place for cleaning during the day, when it is this cold, it stays open all day so guys do not have to go outside.  As soon as the dorms and washrooms are cleaned, we open all of them back up for the men so they can have some more space to relax, catch up on some sleep, or read.
• People naturally assume that we get a lot busier when it gets this cold but generally it is a little quieter (people tend to hunker down and stay put when it is this cold).  If we do get busier, we would make available our entire building rather than refuse someone (we hate refusing anyone on the basis of space at the best of times but in the winter we make sure that no one is going to freeze).  Years ago I took a tour of an old Soviet submarine.  It had bunks on the engines and the torpedoes.  While the Centre doesn't have torpedoes, we will put a mattress and a bunk anywhere if it means that no one is left out in the cold.  If we do run out of room, we put clients up in local hotels.
• We work with Larson House and the Saskatoon City Police to ensure people who are intoxicated or high are taken care of if they do wander into our place.  Speaking of the Saskatoon City Police, officers do bring in people that do not have shelter or who have been found in shelter that isn't suitable for the weather outside.  We warm them up, give them suitable winter gear, and give them a safe place to sleep.  Outside of the city limits, the local RCMP does the same thing with hitchhikers.  They bring them down and we help them out.
• Our Clothing Cave is generally open Monday, Wednesday, and Friday but in cold weather we outfit people any time they need it.  At both of our reception areas we have mitts, toques, scarves, socks, and thanks to the generous donations of the people of Saskatoon.
• While this doesn't happen just because it is really cold out, once the temperature starts to dip a bit, the kitchen staff bring out the porridge and oat meal.  Wilfred Brimley would be proud. When it is cold like this the kitchen tends to heap up the portions and serves bigger meals to compensate for the calories burned to stay warm.

Despite our best efforts, there are still people choosing to be outside this winter.  We know many of them through their past stays with us or through our drop in programs during the day and on the weekend evenings.  At every opportunity we invite them to come and stay with us or we work at finding other sleeping arrangements for them if we are not their best option.  It’s an ongoing process but one we continue to ensure that those who are in the cold have safe and warm accommodations during our winter.  Even for those who refuse our offers of warmth, we provide blankets, warm (or warmer) clothing and winter gear to help them keep warm.

If you are looking for a way to help, there are a couple things you can do to make a difference.

1. Donate.  Whether it be a financial donation or if you have a warm winter jacket, socks, toques, gloves, men's underwear (and long underwear) or a scarf, it all helps out.  You can drop off a donation at 339 Avenue C South anytime, day or night.  When it is this cold we give out the stuff as soon as it comes in so whatever you can give, our clients appreciate tremendously.
2. Direct people panhandling or who are in need to us.  At this temperature we do not turn anyone away and we work with the Ministry of Social Services to ensure all of their essential needs are met.  A warm bed and three and a half meals a day are provided (we provide a filling snack at night as well).  If the person needs a different agency or more help then we can offer, we keep them safe, warm, and comfortable while we arrange whatever help is needed.
3. Help spread the news about what we do.  Despite being here for over 100 years, some people don't know that there is a men's hostel in town or that we help women in emergency need.  We work hard at getting the word out but we can always use your help as well.

The 2009 Salvation Army Toy Run

All Motorcycles Welcome

Shiny bikes, revving motors and Santa…in September? Once again Saskatoon’s motorcycling community is working together to collect toys for The Salvation Army’s Christmas Toy Hampers. All interested motorcycle enthusiasts are invited to participate and help to make this the biggest and best Toy Run ever.

Participant Admission: A new, unwrapped toy for The Salvation Army Family Christmas Assistance Program, or monetary donation.

Saturday, September 12, 2009

Where: Prairieland Park (rain or shine) at the Marquis Downs Cook Shack

Pancake Breakfast: 8:00 – 11:00 a.m.

Ride begins at 11:00 a.m. and leaves the cook shack and goes to the Saskatoon Inn.

Enjoy a BBQ at the Saskatoon Inn after the ride.

If you have any questions, talk to Major Henri at 242-6833 (office) or 260-9057 (cell).  You can also contact him via email at henri_regamey@can.salvationarmy.org.

Homelessness Count 2008

The Community University Institute for Social Research needs your help!

On May 22, 2008, the Institute will be conducting a homeless count in specific areas of downtown Saskatoon. The results will passed along to policy-makers and outreach workers with the hope of augmenting services.

For more information or to volunteer, please e-mail: homelesscount2008@gmail.com

Technorati Tags: CUISR,Saskatoon,homelessness

Housing Trends in Saskatoon

These slides came from a recent seminar by CMHC on housing in Saskatoon.  We posted here some of the more interesting statistics detailing the cost and how hard it is to find shelter in Saskatoon.  The second chart also mirror our own increase of usage at the Centre. 

Technorati Tags: CHMC,housing trends

Riversdale Local Area Plan

This is a Public Service Announcement from the City of Saskatoon that may be of interest to some of you.

The City of Saskatoon City Planning Branch is hosting an Open House to showcase the Riversdale Local Area Plan Final Draft Report with the community:

Tuesday, April 15
5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Royal Canadian Legion 606 Spadina Crescent West

This is a drop-in event where the public is welcome anytime during the Open House.
The City of Saskatoon and the Riversdale Local Area Planning Committee (a committee of residents, property owners, business owners and other stakeholders) have been working on a comprehensive plan for Riversdale to help guide the growth and development of the neighbourhood.