SaskatchewanSocial Services Minister Terry Jenson says the funding is still annualized, and depends on the individual municipalities’ priorities and needs at the time of allocation.The government’s Provincial Approach to Homelessness (PATH) was first introduced in 2023Alex Kozroski · CBC News · Posted: Nov 19, 2025 3:41 PM EST | Last Updated: 4 hours agoListen to this articleEstimated 3 minutesThe audio version of this article is generated by text-to-speech, a technology based on artificial intelligence.The provincial government says it intends to spend up to $20 million more over the next three years on supports for the growing number of Saskatchewan residents who are homeless. (Rob Kruk/CBC)The provincial government says it intends to spend up to $20 million more over the next three years on supports for the growing number of Saskatchewan residents who are homeless.Social Services Minister Terry Jenson and Regina Mayor Chad Bachynski announced an increase in Provincial Approach To Homelessness (PATH) funding on Wednesday.The PATH funding program was established in 2023 with $40.3 million.Jenson said the money is still annualized, and depends on individual municipalities’ priorities and needs at the time of allocation.“It’s about providing opportunities for individuals who find themselves in this situation to be able to connect with either an outreach worker or connect with one of our shelter operators or with different resources that are out there,” Jenson said.Regina will get $1.1 million from the increase. Bachynski said the money would be used reactively, to address immediate needs before more long-term solutions.“As part of our next steps later today, [city] council must approve accepting this funding and moving forward with enhancing warming spaces in our city,” he said.WATCH | Homeless shelters are safe havens. But what if it’s near your house?:Homeless shelters are safe havens. But what if it’s near your house?Most people in Saskatchewan agree that shelters are crucial with the province’s extreme temperatures. But living next to one isn’t always easy. Residents in major Sask. cities are trying to figure out how shelters can serve a need without alienating neighbours. “This was a specific need that we heard from local service providers. This is about dignity, safety and compassion. It’s about ensuring that every resident of Regina has access to the supports they need.”Brent Blakley, the Saskatchewan NDP Opposition’s shadow minister for social services, cited recent reports of the province using the Coachman Motor Inn in Regina as emergency housing. In August, it was reported to be infested with bedbugs.“Homelessness is getting worse every single year under the Sask. Party,” Blakley said.”I think $20 million across the province over three years is not nearly enough. What would be better is to maybe open up the thousands of Sask. Housing units that sit empty throughout the province rather than wasting taxpayers’ dollars putting them up in these hotels temporarily.” Included in the $20 million expansion allocation is $4 million to create up to 40 new emergency shelter spaces at existing shelters, and $4 million to create up to 60 new supportive housing spaces and add more trusteeship services.“The expansion is needed to support somebody 24/7,” said Natasha Kennedy, executive director of Regina Treaty Status Service Inc., which operates New Beginnings Emergency Shelter in Regina.“The shelter operates 24/7, 365. So it allows folks that need to come in for a warm place to stay to maybe get a meal, to do some of that system navigation.”ABOUT THE AUTHORAlex Kozroski is a reporter with CBC News in Regina. He has also worked as a reporter for Golden West Broadcasting in Swift Current, Sask.
Sask. government promises increase of up to $20 million over 3 years for homelessness strategy
