Food programs for Saskatoon homeless receive financial boost
- EFN Staff | May 22, 2016
Homeless and at-risk individuals who receive food security support from two community agencies will benefit from a rejuvenated space and better equipment. The Government of Canada’s Homelessness Partnering Strategy (HPS) funds strategic and innovative projects in Saskatoon that aim to reduce or prevent homelessness and fill gaps for people who face homelessness.
Central Urban Métis Federation Inc. (CUMFI) received $31,048 from the HPS in order to renovate their gathering room and kitchen flooring, as well as upgrading old appliances in the kitchen. CUMFI uses these spaces to provide emergency food support as part of a full-spectrum of services that people can access when they are facing homelessness and the impact of poverty.
Related:
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President of CUMFI, Shirley Isbister, notes the importance of the space: “Our CUMFI kitchen and gathering room is at the heart of our services and a catalyst for fostering long-term solutions for the homeless. Our clients can continue to have a warm place to visit, gather and eat a meal as they draw upon the supports of CUMFI. The CUMFI Board of Directors, the staff and those we serve are pleased to acknowledge and to express sincere gratitude to the Government of Canada’s Homelessness Partnering Strategy (HPS) and the Saskatoon Housing Initiatives Partnership (SHIP) for funding to support the renovation.”
The Saskatoon Friendship Inn serves meals 365 days a year to Saskatoon’s most vulnerable people. They received $6,731 in funding to develop a coffee station in the dining area. The station will be available to people anytime during the hours they are open. Many of the guests who stay at the Saskatoon Friendship Inn during the day are homeless. Access to coffee and a welcoming environment encourages guests to utilize some of the programs available and find support.
Executive Director, Sandra Stack feels that the coffee station creates a warm, hospitable space for guests who experience vulnerability, poverty and homelessness: “The Inn is now serving the best cup of coffee in the city! Thank you to the Government of Canada for this investment.”
Saskatoon Housing Initiatives Partnership (SHIP) and the Community Advisory Board (CAB-SH) on Saskatoon Homelessness approved funding for these projects. “The emergency food services provided by these two agencies ensure that people in our community receive food when they need it,” says Shaun Dyck, Executive Director if SHIP. “The added value is that both agencies have a genuine commitment to their guests that is based on justice and dignity, not charity.”