Saskatoon’s emergency wellness center expected to reach maximum capacity Friday night – Saskatoon | globalnews.ca

Transitioning to New Saskatoon emergency wellness center Almost complete, and spaces are filling up fast.

The new location is a replacement for the old location on First Avenue.

Saskatoon Tribal Council tribal chief Mark Arcand said 97 individuals, including 12 children, have been transferred to the facility since the infections began this week.

Arcand expects all remaining spots to be filled by Friday night, indicating high demand for safe spots in the city, especially in the colder months.

He said a number of clothing donations were received on Friday in support of the opening of the new facility.

“McCurcher really gave the gift of his warmth,” said Chief Arcand, “he donated 300 (pairs) of socks because we’ve been chosen by him for his charity of choice this year.

“Relatives over there don’t really have proper shoes and that kind of stuff, so socks are a big need for us.”

A representative for McCutcher said, “It’s a small gesture, but even the smallest gesture can make a world of difference to someone, so we just want to give back to the community and help people in need.” want to support.”

The First Nations Capital Infrastructure Association of Saskatchewan brought approximately $2,500 worth of jackets, gloves and socks to those using the emergency shelter.

The building in the Fairhaven neighborhood can accommodate 106 people. It’s a four-and-a-half-acre property, quite a contrast to its downtown location.

“We can’t force people to come in, but right now, we’re at 97 out of 106 people, so pretty good numbers within two days,” Chief Arcand said.

“We’re going to use (this space) to our fullest extent to make sure they’re safe and warm.”

The facility includes separate units for families, men and women.

With some of these units already at maximum capacity, the overflow space is already being used.

In response to concerns from the public about how the wellness center will affect community safety, Arcand said they are doing everything possible to ensure safety and infrastructure at the new facility.

Arcand said, “If people are concerned about what’s happening at a local store, call the police.” “We support it. If we have to call the police here, we will. It’s about the safety of the community.”

Chief Arcand described the new facility as a more relaxed environment than the downtown center.

A current user of the center, who preferred to remain anonymous, said he was comforted by the number of helping hands at the new facility.

“I really understand and believe that there is a second chance for everyone,” he said. “I believe that STC Wellness Center is definitely a place that gives you a second chance in life, for which I am very grateful.

“They’ve shown me a lot of positive things about myself and the people around me, which go along with having respect for myself and the people around me.”

Future plans for the center include the installation of a commercial kitchen, more showers and laundry facilities, as well as more event space.

The old downtown facility was being used as a warming facility, however, Arcand stated that all funding must be channeled into the new space in order for it to operate. They expect the old facility to close on Sunday, December 4th.

“I think the whole system that these warm-up shelters are designed for is wrong,” Arcand said. “If we’re taking X amount of dollars and divvying it up to appease organizations, we’re not meeting a need.”

With The Warming Center Downtown closing, the demand for new wellness centers is expected to become more intense.

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