PROVINCE PURCHASES TWO HOMES TO HELP KEEP YOUTH OFF STREETS

The Saskatoon Downtown Youth Centre Inc. (EGADZ) will receive $500,000 from the Ministry of Social Services to purchase two more houses for My Homes. There are presently four My Homes in Saskatoon neighbourhoods that provide vulnerable youth stable and supportive places to live.

"The province is pleased to support the success of EGADZ in reaching vulnerable youth and helping them on their way to a positive future," Social Services Minister Donna Harpauer said. "The two new My Homes will continue the important work of helping young people overcome addictions and break connections with life on the street."

"The province's funding is a huge step in allowing EGADZ to expand on its continuum of residential services by purchasing two new homes for vulnerable children and youth from ages 12 to 16," EGADZ executive director Bill Thibodeau said. "The homes will provide both the safe setting and support from caregivers, the community and government agencies so our youth may embark on a positive path for the future."

The new homes will follow the My Home model under which five young residents get help from EGADZ staff for day-to-day living and access services in the community such as counselling. However, both of the new homes will also provide in-house drug and alcohol addiction services through a partnership with the Saskatoon Health Region. As well, one home will be the first My Home to serve young men.

The original My Home model was designed to help women 16 and 17 years of age who wanted to leave the streets and needed help to get a new start in life.

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:

Debbie Clark
Social Services
Regina
Phone: 306-787-8689
Email: dclark@cr.gov.sk.ca