Salvation Army takes over dozens of shelter beds from Saskatoon’s Lighthouse

Dozens of emergency shelter beds have a new home in Saskatoon.

In a statement on Tuesday, Jerome Hepfner, president of the Lighthouse Supported Living, said the Salvation Army will immediately take over operating 30 beds, which were reported to be at risk of elimination this week.

The shelter’s remaining 31 beds, along with other homeless-related services, will continue to be run by the Lighthouse for the time being.

“Our other services will continue to operate until the Ministry of Social Services and Ministry of Health establish arrangements with other services providers to ensure care for the individuals currently relying on (our) services,” Hepfner said.

“Our goal remains to assist those with the greatest needs in the city.”

The announcement comes after the provincial government stripped the Lighthouse of its funding in the spring, following months of uncertainty with the shelter’s management.

The former executive director was removed from his post by a December court order after he was found to be using the charity’s funds for his own benefit.

According to court documents, Don Windels used $60,000 of the charity’s funds to purchase a home for his daughter.

Around the same, the non-profit organization was dealing with dozens of fire code violations. The downtown shelter was fined by the City after failing to resolve 42 infractions, including failing to properly maintain fire alarms and sprinklers.

Hepfner said the Lighthouse has made “significant strides” to improve, and the organization remains committed to serving its clients.

Saskatoon has been offering support to help find solutions and get plans in place alongside partners like the Saskatoon Fire Department and the Saskatoon Police Service.

“We stand ready to support good programs that are able to meet the needs and the growing needs around homelessness and addictions, mental health, and these challenges to better support people in our community,” Clark said.

“I think it is very critical that there be good governance, good accountability and transparency in place in any programs that are providing services,” he said. “We appreciate the uncertainty that this situation has created for the residents at the lighthouse, the staff … as well as the community.”

Clark said a different model than what Lighthouse used is needed, in order to spread out the services Lighthouse offered instead of putting so many people under one roof.

“I understand the need for a change,” Clark said. “I also understand and have said that we need to have a very thoughtful and well-planned transition.”

The mayor complimented the Emergency Wellness Centre operated by the Saskatoon Tribal Council, praising the group’s success in providing an Indigenous-led option to the community.

Clark said the current Wellness Centre is still considered temporary, but there is a process ongoing to identify and secure a permanent location for the service.

— With files from 650 CKOM’s Libby Giesbrecht.