Bridge City Warmth is a non-profit working to help the unhoused in Saskatoon - and the organization’s founder is voicing concerns as colder months draw near in Saskatchewan. “People need to know what’s going on in their community on the streets of Saskatoon, and how important it’s going to be to get more housing, to get more shelters overnight, warm-up areas to help people survive, as our winters are darn cold and we need to see a change happening quick. Winters just right around the corner here,” Melissa Zimmer said. While concern for the province’s unhoused population is always a serious topic in the winter, Zimmer says she’s seeing the issue grow. “What we’ve noticed on the streets of Saskatoon is that the numbers are growing, and we’re seeing more people out on the streets.” Every Thursday, Bridge City Warmth volunteers hand out essential supplies, food and beverages to those in need on Saskatoon streets. “We’re running out of supplies. We can’t get our hands on enough stuff. We can’t get our hands on enough essential items that they need,” Zimmer said. Zimmer, alongside the NDP, spoke to media on Tuesday, asking for more support at the municipal and provincial level for those currently living in encampments. “There str so many barriers for the unhoused trying to get into housing. They might be missing their ID, they might be unemployed, people don’t always want to rent to people that are on social services. So we just help to break down those barriers when we can.” Terry Jenson, Minister of Social Services, provided a statement to CTV News. “Since the foundational Provincial Approach to Homelessness was launched in 2023, the province has worked with partners to expand supportive housing, emergency shelters, year-round drop-in services, and street outreach services in communities across the province.” The statement went on to detail the funds intended to be allocated towards helping the unhoused within the year. “The 2026-27 budget is investing up to $38.9 million for homelessness services across the province. $7.04 million in funding is going to community-led responses in Saskatoon, Regina and Prince Albert to support outreach services winter warming spaces, daytime drop-in services and other services to meet community needs. This additional investment allows for better coordination between the province, the municipalities, and Indigenous and community-based partners who deliver services to vulnerable clients,” The statement added that the province is actively working to connect those living in encampments with social services. Saskatoon’s new permanent shelter on Idlylwld Drive North is expected to remain on schedule, opening on November 1st. “This site will operate as both a daytime and overnight drop-in location for women. It provides access to basic services, such as snacks, coffee, water, laundry, showers, washrooms and space for warming, as well as service connections,” the City of Saskatoon said in a statement to CTV News. Zimmer says while this shelter is a step in the right direction, she does see a lot more work to be done. “I believe it will make a difference, but it’s just not going to be enough. It’s just how Bridge City feels. Whatever we do, it just never seems to be enough. And I think it’s a good start opening up another shelter. But we need so much more for the people that are unhoused, so much more.” Zimmer says Bridge City Warmth intends to continue supporting the city’s unhoused population as best as possible. “We didn’t put this encampment here, but we do want to be the ones that are here to support them.”
