NEW HOUSING PROJECT FOR YOUTH TO BE BUILT IN SASKATOON

The federal, provincial and municipal governments announced details today of two affordable housing projects totaling over $600,000 which will see twelve new independent living units constructed for vulnerable young women aged 18-23 in Saskatoon.

The projects, called My Home III and IV, were undertaken by the Saskatoon Downtown Youth Centre Inc. (EGADZ) and is supported through the Centenary Affordable Housing Program (CAHP), part of Saskatchewan’s HomeFirst housing policy framework, and the City of Saskatoon’s Innovative Housing Incentive Program.

“Canada’s New Government is proud to support projects that provide safe and supportive housing for at-risk youth like this one in Saskatoon,” Maurice Vellacott, Member of Parliament for Saskatoon-Wanuskewin, on behalf of the Honourable Monte Solberg, Minister of Human Resources and Social Development, said.  “This project will make an important difference in the lives of young women who are working toward building a safer, stronger and better future for themselves.”

“Our government, through Saskatchewan Housing Corporation, is proud to be a part of this innovative approach to make life better for Saskatchewan youth,” Industry and Resources Minister Eric Cline said on behalf of Community Resources Minister Buckley Belanger.  “Both homes will provide a safe, supportive environment for young women as they work toward self-sufficiency and better lifestyles.  This undertaking clearly illustrates what HomeFirst is about, which is promoting health, independence, security and dignity of all Saskatchewan citizens.”

“Through the City’s Innovative Housing Incentive Program, projects like this are making a difference in the fabric of our community,” Saskatoon Mayor Donald Atchison said.  “These houses give young women a stable home environment, and the opportunity for a successful future.  We hope that when they enter the door, it’s a door to their new life.”

The project consists of two buildings in the new neighbourhood of Hampton Village in Saskatoon.  Each building is 1,982 square feet with six bedrooms and shared kitchen and resource areas.  Support services link the young women to school, training, employment and other community resources.  Individuals in the homes will also have input on how the homes operate, thereby creating a sense of ownership.  My Home III and IV are based on the highly successful My Home and My Home Too models which serve young people aged 12-17 in Saskatoon.

The total capital cost for both homes is $669,784.  EGADZ was approved under CAHP for $492,000.  The breakdown of the CAHP contribution is as follows:  Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation $246,000; Saskatchewan Housing Corporation $196,800; and City of Saskatoon $49,200.  Funding in the amount of $155,070 was provided under the National Homelessness Initiative (NHI).  The balance of the funding ($22,714) will be provided by other in-kind contributions.

On April 1, 2007, Canada’s New Government replaced the NHI with the new Homelessness Partnering Strategy, which will provide $269.6 million over two years to help communities across Canada combat homelessness more effectively.

CAHP is funded under the Canada – Saskatchewan Affordable Housing Agreement.  It provides approximately $33 million in federal funding for affordable housing, which is matched by Saskatchewan, municipalities and other partners.  With these matching contributions, a total of over $66 million will be committed by 2007-2008 for affordable housing.

EGADZ is a non-profit, community-based organization that has provided direct support services to empower at-risk youth in Saskatoon since 1990.

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For more information, contact:

Kimberlee Jones
Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation
Calgary
Phone: 403-515-3048

Linda Saliken
Community Resources
Regina
Phone: 306-787-0246

Lorne Sully
City of Saskatoon
Saskatoon
Phone: 306-975-2686