Last Updated March 5, 2026

New Shelter (in development)

The Mustard Seed has been selected to be the operator in the Enhanced Emergency Shelter by Government of Saskatchewan and in collaboration with the City of Saskatoon. A permanent site has been selected for Saskatoon’s 60-Bed Enhanced Emergency Shelter. This housing-focused, 24/7 shelter at 170 31st Street East will provide safety, dignity, and wraparound supports to help guests move toward stability and permanent housing

About the Site

A lot located within the Central Industrial Area at 170 31st Street East has been selected as the site for Saskatoon’s new 60-bed enhanced emergency shelter, to be operated by The Mustard Seed. The land is owned by the Government of Saskatchewan and meets City Council-approved criteria for emergency shelters, including:

  • Room for approximately 60 beds
  • Beds in an open shelter-type hall (with movable wall systems or partitions)
  • Some private rooms (accessed internally)
  • Space for site staff offices
  • Showers, bathrooms, and kitchen
  • Internal and external gathering spaces
  • Proximity to other services

Construction & Funding

The Government of Saskatchewan will lead the design and construction of the new facility and will fund its ongoing operations. Community safety will be considered in all aspects of the design and build.

An opening date will be finalized in the coming months

Safety for Guests and the Community

Safety is at the heart of our operations for guests, staff, volunteers, and the surrounding neighbourhood.

  • Intake assessments for every guest before entry
  • 24/7 staff presence inside the facility
  • Regular perimeter patrols conducted by staff
  • Interior and exterior security cameras
  • Ongoing partnership with Saskatoon Police Service and Saskatoon Fire Department
  • A coordinated operating and community safety plan developed before opening

We value open communication with our neighbours. Concerns or questions can be sent to [email protected].

Why This Matters

Saskatoon is facing its highest recorded homelessness numbers of 1,499 individuals, nearly triple the 2022 count. This permanent shelter is part of the Provincial Approach to Homelessness, led by the Government of Saskatchewan, and is one piece of a larger plan to connect people with housing, health services, and community supports.

A Housing-Focused Approach

At The Mustard Seed, we believe that shelter is just the first step. Our housing-focused model prioritizes helping guests secure long-term, sustainable housing while meeting their immediate needs for food, shelter, clothing, and hygiene.

The new Enhanced Emergency Shelter will operate 24/7, 365 days a year, offering:

  • 60 beds for adults experiencing homelessness
  • Three nutritious meals daily
  • Access to showers, laundry, and clean clothing
  • Housing navigation and income assistance
  • Mental health and addictions supports
  • Spiritual and cultural care, including Indigenous wellness supports when requested

Who We Serve

This shelter will welcome adults with mid-acuity support needs; individuals who can independently manage daily living activities, but who may be facing complex challenges such as poverty, trauma, or health concerns.

Neighbourhood Information Sessions

Representatives from the City of Saskatoon, the Government of Saskatchewan, and The Mustard Seed will host information sessions in August & September 2025 to share details on shelter operations, safety planning, and construction timelines.

FAQ - Saskatoon New Shelter (In development)

  • What is an Enhanced Emergency Shelter?

    It’s a 24/7 shelter model that provides not only a safe place to sleep but also meals, case planning, and access to supports—helping guests transition into stable housing.

  • Who will operate the shelter

    The Mustard Seed was selected by the Government of Saskatchewan to operate the shelter. We have 40 years of experience running housing-focused shelters across Western Canada.

  • Will the shelter allow substance use?

    Substance use is not permitted on the property. Guests will not be turned away solely for substance use if they can follow shelter rules and maintain a safe environment.

  • How will safety be addressed?

    The shelter will have 24/7 staffing, security cameras, and strong partnerships with Saskatoon Police Service and Saskatoon Fire Department. A coordinated safety plan will be in place before opening.

  • How will guests access a bed?

    Beds are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Guests who stayed the previous night have priority. If the shelter is full, staff help connect individuals to other available spaces.

  • Will this shelter replace the temporary downtown location?

    The downtown shelter at 210 Pacific Avenue will operate until September 2026. The permanent site will become the primary location once open.

  • When will the shelter open?

    Construction timelines are being finalized by the Government of Saskatchewan. Opening details will be shared as soon as they are confirmed.

  • Who is responsible for building the shelter?

    The Government of Saskatchewan will lead the design and construction of the new shelter building.

  • Will there be community input on the design?

    Feedback from the Neighbourhood Information Sessions in late August and September will be shared with the Province to help inform the design.

  • Will construction disrupt the neighbourhood?

    Some disruption is expected during construction, including equipment on-site and increased traffic. The Province and City will provide updates on construction schedules to help minimize impacts.

  • What safety measures will be in place during construction?

    Standard construction safety protocols will be followed, including secure fencing around the worksite, clear signage, and adherence to City and provincial regulations.

  • How long will construction take?

    Timelines will be determined by the Government of Saskatchewan. The City and The Mustard Seed will share updates as soon as they are available.

  • How can I share feedback or concerns?

    We value open communication with our neighbours. Concerns or questions can be sent to [email protected].


TEMPORARY SHELTER

The Mustard Seed’s temporary enhanced emergency shelter at 210 Pacific Avenue provides 24/7 support for adults experiencing homelessness in Saskatoon. Guests have access to a safe place to sleep, three nutritious meals each day, hot showers, clean clothing, and a full range of support services addressing physical, mental, cultural, and spiritual well-being.

This 40-bed shelter follows a housing-focused approach, helping guests move from homelessness toward stable, long-term housing. In addition to meeting immediate needs, staff work alongside guests to develop personalized plans, connect them with community resources, and remove barriers to stability.

The downtown location opened in April 2025 and is approved to operate until September 2026, ensuring essential capacity remains in place while the new permanent site at 170 31st Street East is built.

The Mustard Seed Temporary Shelter Saskatoon FAQs

  • Where is The Mustard Seed Shelter, and why was this location chosen?

    • In October 2023, the Government of Saskatchewan announced a Provincial Approach to Homelessness, which included funding for 60 new emergency shelter spaces in Saskatoon.
    • The Mustard Seed was selected to operate a shelter at a temporary location (210 Pacific Ave) for up to 18 months, while a permanent site is identified.
    • The shelter provides up to 40 beds for vulnerable individuals in Saskatoon and opened April 1, 2025.
    • The 2024 homeless count identified 1,499 unhoused individuals in Saskatoon, including those in shelters, transitional housing, or unsheltered locations.
  • What can people expect from this shelter?

    • This shelter follows a housing-focused approach, helping individuals transition into sustainable, long-term housing as quickly as possible.
    • This is not a drop-in space; services are only available to shelter guests.
    • Admission is first-come, first-served, and the shelter operates 24/7, offering guests three meals a day.
    • Guests have access to a full range of support services that address physical, mental, and spiritual well-being, with the goal of helping them move toward greater health, stability, and independence.
  • What are the hours of operation?

    • The shelter is open 24/7, year-round.
  • Are there any requirements to stay at the shelter?

    The Mustard Seed Shelter Saskatoon is classified as mid-acuity, requiring guests to independently manage daily activities such as mobility and personal care. While individuals may have complex needs, they must be capable of functioning within the facility.

    The shelter follows a behaviour-based model:

    • Alcohol and drug use are not permitted on-site.
    • Individuals under the influence may still access the shelter as long as their behaviour remains safe.
    • If someone’s behaviour is unsafe due to substance use, they will not be allowed entry.
  • What safety measures are in place?

    • Safety is our top priority for guests, staff, volunteers, and the surrounding community. Measures include:
      • Guest screening before entry
      • Security cameras inside and outside the building
      • Collaboration with fire, and police for a coordinated safety response
  • Is The Mustard Seed Shelter Saskatoon a drop-in space?

    • No, this is not a drop-in shelter. Services are available only to shelter guests.
  • How many people can the shelter accommodate?

    • The Mustard Seed Shelter Saskatoon offers up to 40 beds.
  • Who can I contact for more information?

Last Updated March 5, 2026

SUPPORTIVE HOUSING

The Mustard Seed, in partnership with Saskatchewan Housing Corporation and Saskatoon Housing Authority, provides vital supportive housing to those who are experiencing poverty and homelessness in the community. The Mustard Seed Housing Saskatoon is a permanent supportive housing building located at 304 2 Avenue S, that offers residents stable, safe, affordable housing with wrap-around supports. Supportive housing helps residents maintain their housing, reducing the volume of homelessness and related issues in the city by creating a safer, vibrant community for all residents.

The Mustard Seed Housing Saskatoon adopts an innovative approach uniquely designed to support residents with various services, healthcare, meals, addiction support, inclusive Indigenous and multi-cultural programming, and recreation – all in one place. These comprehensive supports and services help residents sustain their housing, making The Mustard Seed Housing Saskatoon a long-term recovery-oriented housing solution in the community.

The Mustard Seed Housing Saskatoon FAQs

  • 1. Is Mustard Seed Housing Saskatoon a shelter, drop-in centre, or safe consumption site?

    No, this site does not offer shelter, safe consumption, or drop-in services. Mustard Seed Housing Saskatoon is a 65-unit supportive housing building that provides affordable housing with wraparound supports for residents. This means that Mustard Seed Housing Saskatoon is the residents' home for as long as they need it. Residents pay rent and have access to supports that help them maintain stable housing and work toward their wellness goals.

  • 2. What types of services are provided at The Mustard Seed Housing Saskatoon?

    The Mustard Seed Housing Saskatoon adopts an innovative approach uniquely designed to support residents with various services, including:

    • Meals provided daily to residents
    • Case management and partner collaboration
    • Mental Health & Addictions Support
    • Spiritual Care
    • Inclusive Indigenous and multi-cultural programming and recreation activities
    • Transport assistance to healthcare appointments (as needed)

    These comprehensive support services help residents maintain their housing, making Mustard Seed Housing Saskatoon a recovery-oriented, long-term housing solution within the community.

  • 3. What safety measures does The Mustard Seed have in place?

    Safety is a high priority for The Mustard Seed’s when operating Housing. Our Housing ensures a safe and supportive space is provided for all members of the program—clients, residents, staff, volunteers, and the greater community.

    For Mustard Seed Housing Saskatoon, procedures we have in place for safety and security include:

    • 24/7 Onsite Staffing
    • Security Monitoring System
    • Fire Safety and Emergency Plan

    We only provide resources and/or support services to current residents of our Housing Saskatoon building

  • 4. What is The Mustard Seed doing to prevent loitering?

    The Mustard Seed Housing Saskatoon is taking steps to prevent loitering around our building. These include:

    • Actively completing routine parameter checks around the Housing Saskatoon building
    • Re-directing all non-residents requesting resources to visit a designated drop-in centre or shelter service within the city
    • Educating community members on services available in Saskatoon and where they can find them
  • 5. What experience does The Mustard Seed have with serving Indigenous populations?

    The Mustard Seed organization values Indigenous communities and recognizes the importance of partnerships and cultural understanding. We actively pursue Indigenous partnerships and are committed to listening, learning, and moving forward in a good way, guided by Indigenous advisors.

  • 6. Does Mustard Seed Housing Saskatoon offer Indigenous programming?

    Yes, the site offers Indigenous programming through partnerships, which may include culturally appropriate onsite activities and personalized support services tailored specifically for housing residents.

  • 7. Who can I contact if I have questions about The Mustard Seed Housing Saskatoon?

    If you have urgent concerns regarding activity around Mustard Seed Housing Saskatoon, please contact Lyle, the Saskatoon Housing Manager, at [email protected].

    For all other non-urgent questions or concerns, please email [email protected].

The Mustard Seed has been serving our most vulnerable neighbours for over 40 years. We are excited to work with the Government of Saskatchewan to help meet the challenges of vulnerable people in Saskatoon and to strengthen the safety net that provides support for those in need.

James Gardiner - CEO - The Mustard Seed

Who is The Mustard Seed

The Mustard Seed is a Christian non-profit organization that has been caring for individuals experiencing homelessness and poverty since 1984. Operating in seven cities across Western Canada, The Mustard Seed is a supportive haven where people can have their physical, mental, and spiritual needs met and grow toward greater health and independence.

We have been an agent of change for four decades thanks to our donors, volunteers, and support from the community.