Saskatoon Tribal Council Wellness Centre ready to keep people in need warm
The 50-bed homeless shelter opened Wednesday night, after a 2-day delay
After a brief delay, the new Saskatoon Tribal Council (STC) Wellness Centre is open in the city's downtown.
The temporary homeless shelter, located on First Avenue North, was set to open its doors on Monday — but that was put on hold until 8 p.m. Wednesday night.
According to Tribal Chief Mark Arcand, the centre needed an inspection of the building's air ventilation system, which has since been approved.
"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," Arcand said in a news release Wednesday.
"This is an Indigenous-led solution for everyone who needs it. STC is proud to lead by example and help our community."
The centre is prepared to offer room for up to 50 people in need, offering health and counselling services, meals and a warm place to sleep.
Until the end of April, the STC will operate the shelter 24/7 in an empty, city-owned office building on First Avenue North.
Last week, city council voted in favour of helping to fund the shelter at a total cost of roughly $150,000.
The STC is expected to pay a monthly $10 nominal fee to lease the building.