Changing lives, one home at a time

United Way is in the business of changing lives, focusing knowledge and resources on building strong communities; helping kids be all that they can be; and moving people from poverty to possibility. United Way works to create stability for individuals and families – with access to housing, food and income.

Saskatoon’s Plan to End Homelessness has been an initiative led by United Way of Saskatoon and Area since 2012. Working closely and in consultation with the entire community a lot of great work has occurred over the last couple years.

Most recently, United Way reported back on the data and successes of the first six months of the Housing First program, delivered by a Housing First team at Saskatoon Crisis Intervention Service.

In April 2014 United Way contracted Saskatoon Crisis & Intervention Service to deliver Saskatoon’s Housing First program as part of Saskatoon’s Plan to End Homelessness. To date 19 people have been successfully housed, and data collected in the first six months of Saskatoon’s Housing First program shows an estimated costs savings of over $668,000. But more importantly, the data shows a decreased demand in emergency and related services. The results are staggering. (See service demand chart below.)

Community partners are pleased with these initial results and the positive impact the Housing First program will have on their work and the people they serve. “The Housing First initiative is already proving

“The Housing First initiative is already proving to be a very positive strategy in helping our most vulnerable have a safe place to live”

to be a very positive strategy in helping our most vulnerable have a safe place to live,” says Corey Miller, vicepresident Integrated Health Services, Saskatoon Health Region. “From a health care perspective, reducing the pressures on our emergency departments and acute care beds will assist us in meeting the demands on our system, while at the same time better meeting the needs of these clients.”