Cuts to Lighthouse generate protests online, and on the street

There are two new efforts to try and restore funding to the Lighthouse in Saskatoon.

The government of Saskatchewan recently made changes to the way it pays for clients to stay in the Lighthouse's 38-bed emergency stabilization unit. Lighthouse officials say those changesamountto a $700,000 cut.

• Sask government casts doubt on future of Saskatoon's Lighthouse

Now, just over 800people have signed an online petition urging the province to reverse cuts to the Lighthouse.

Addressed to Premier Brad Wall, the petition demands the government "step up to the plate and immediately provide stable funding to this important service."

Rally and march for Saskatoon shelter

On the weekend, organizers are calling on people to rally and march to show their opposition to the changes in funding at the Lighthouse.

"This shelter is meant for people who cannot be housed in other shelters because of their state of intoxication," said Peter Garden, spokesperson for the organizing committee.

"The result is that safe, warm shelter and supports will be denied to people in acute need, forcing them out into the cold."

People who attend are being asked to bring warm winter clothing to donate to the Lighthouse.

The rally and march begins at 12:30 p.m. CST on Saturday, October 22 at the Lighthouse at 304 2nd Avenue S. in Saskatoon.