Significant rise in Saskatoon homelessness: 2024 Point in Time count shows

The 2024 Point-in-Time Count has identified 1,499 individuals in Saskatoon experiencing homelessness. The count offers a “snapshot” of individuals and families residing in emergency shelters, transitional housing, unsheltered locations including encampments, systems, and experiencing hidden homelessness.

“The results of this count represent the minimum number of individuals experiencing unsheltered and sheltered homelessness in Saskatoon,” says Lesley Anderson, Director of Planning and Development. “These numbers and demographics will improve our understanding of the needs and circumstances of the people who are affected by homelessness in our community.”

The City of Saskatoon, in partnership with the Saskatoon Housing Initiatives Partnership (SHIP), the Reaching Home Community Entity in Saskatoon, and the Community-University Institute for Social Research (CUISR) at the University of Saskatchewan, along with numerous community organizations and well over 200 volunteers conducted a Point-in-Time (PiT) Homelessness Count on October 8, 2024.

“SHIP believes that we need to continue to work as a community to reduce the number of homeless people,” says Robert LaFontaine, SHIP Executive Director. “The PiT count effectively sets the work we need to do going forward.”

The 2024 homelessness count has increased nearly three times in the overall number compared to the last count conducted in 2022. While some of this increase reflects the recognition of new categories, numerous other factors have contributed to this significant rise. By reporting these updated figures, we align our efforts with those of other municipalities across the country, promoting consistency and collaboration in addressing homelessness on a national scale. 

Further data collected from the PiT Count surveys will be released in early 2025 when we launch the Saskatoon PiT Community Report. Volunteers, media, survey participants and local agencies are welcome to attend. Further information will be available in the New Year.