FUNDING OF $1.6 MILLION FOR HOUSING RENOVATIONS TO BENEFIT SASKATOON

A 17-unit apartment building located in Pleasant Hill, a core neighbourhood of Saskatoon, is officially open for persons with mental illness, both singles and couples, following an investment of $1.6 million.

Of that amount, $1.3 million in funding was provided by the province through Saskatchewan Housing Corporation, with $160,000 from the City of Saskatoon and $131,000 from the Saskatoon Housing Coalition. The project was undertaken by Saskatchewan Housing in partnership with the Saskatoon Housing Coalition, a non-profit organization serving individuals with chronic mental illness since 1983.

"Our government is committed to putting vulnerable people first in this province," Saskatoon Sutherland MLA Joceline Schriemer said on behalf of Social Services Minister and Minister responsible for Saskatchewan Housing Corporation Donna Harpauer. "We are proud to have contributed $1.3 million in funding for this initiative and, most importantly, improve the quality of life for tenants in need of stable, quality, affordable housing and supportive services to optimize their independence."

"The City of Saskatoon is proud to support the Saskatoon Housing Coalition as they provide quality, clean and supportive housing units to people in our community with significant life challenges," Saskatoon Mayor Donald Atchison said. "These units are part of the city's commitment to reach 500 new affordable housing units each year in our community. We congratulate the Saskatoon Housing Coalition on their housing program and helping to make a city where all can participate in its growth and success."

"The Board of Directors and staff were extremely pleased to acquire this building as a means to address the waiting list for our services," Saskatoon Housing Coalition Executive Director Jo-Ann Coleman Pidskalny said. "For over 25 years, we have searched for opportunities to expand our capacity to deliver much-needed supportive residential services to those living with a chronic mental illness in Saskatoon. We thank Saskatchewan Housing Corporation and the City of Saskatoon for helping to make this possible."

Renovations to the building included mechanical and finishing replacements, as well as windows, doors and roofing. The suites are a mix of one- and two-bedroom units. The Saskatoon Housing Coalition will offer clients counselling and life skills supports, as well as recreational programming.

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For more information, contact:

Linda Saliken
Social Services
Regina
Phone: 306-787-0246
Email: linda.saliken@gov.sk.ca