Funding announced for 'Housing First,' transitional housing
- EFN Staff | July 03, 2015
Saskatoon Housing Initiatives Partnership (SHIP) is proud to announce two exciting projects that will create an immediate impact for individuals and families who experience homelessness. Funding through the Government of Canada‘s Homelessness Partnering Strategy (HPS) has made these investments possible.
Cress Housing Corporation, a branch of the Saskatoon Tribal Council (STC), received $781,000 in HPS funding to purchase an apartment building and develop twelve new units of transitional housing for people who are homeless or at-risk. The thorough renovation was funded internally by STC. The City of Saskatoon generously contributed $224,948 to ensure the success of the project and increase access to housing for Saskatoon citizens.
White Buffalo Youth Lodge will receive $211,887 in multi-year HPS funding to develop a 'Housing First‘ intensive case management position that will target families experiencing chronic or episodic homelessness. This project will work closely with the Housing First program at Saskatoon Crisis Intervention Services, which is funded by the United Way of Saskatoon and Area. The expansion of Housing First services through this project at White Buffalo Youth Lodge will fill a serious gap in service and complement the spectrum of housing supports that have recently been funded by HPS in Saskatoon to address homelessness.
Marc Arcand, Vice Chief of the Saskatoon Tribal Council describes the investment: "Cress Housing Corporation and White Buffalo Youth Lodge, both agencies of the Saskatoon Tribal Council, are providing valuable help for Aboriginal people in Saskatoon. Cress Housing Corporation‘s 12-unit apartment will help provide transitional housing for Aboriginal people who are homeless or at risk of being homeless. It‘s not just a bandage. It includes working with the individuals to move ahead and find permanent housing. With the high cost of living in Saskatoon, this transitional step helps many people who wouldn‘t have anywhere else to turn to not only secure a home, but create stability by gaining rent references and building credit. Projects such as this apartment are far more attainable and better positioned for success when supported by all levels of government. In this case, the federal, provincial and municipal government have all provided a financial contribution.
Arcand continues: "And with the high cost of living and rental prices the highest ever, the 'Housing First' initiative offers an alternative to a temporary solution. It offers the opportunity to find a home with the guidance of a case manager. This initiative will help families find stable housing, build foundations and support them to find the resources they need."
Saskatoon Housing Initiatives Partnership (SHIP) and the Community Advisory Board (CAB-SH) on Saskatoon Homelessness approved funding for this project.
"These two projects target the most critical priorities identified during our community consultations: more transitional housing and targeted programs like Housing First to support people who have barriers to exiting homelessness," says Shaun Dyck, Executive Director of SHIP. "We believe that these two projects will make a substantial impact both immediately and long-term. Cress Housing Corporation and White Buffalo Youth Lodge are the right organizations to be providing the front-line support."
Related story: Saskatoon organizations receive funding to fight homelessness