SASKATOON YOUTH TO BENEFIT FROM AFFORDABLE HOUSING ACQUISITION AND RENOVATION PROJECT

Federal, provincial and community partners gathered in Saskatoon today to announce funding to purchase and renovate Cedar House, an independent-living facility with supports for at-risk male youth aged 16 to 21.  The complex received funding from all three levels of government totalling $287,300.

The project was undertaken by the John Howard Society of Saskatoon and is supported through the Centenary Affordable Housing Program (CAHP), part of Saskatchewan’s HomeFirst strategy.

“Canada's New Government is proud to help provide safe and supportive housing to vulnerable youth in Saskatoon,” Lynne Yelich, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Human Resources and Social Development, and Member of Parliament for Blackstrap, on behalf of the Honourable Monte Solberg, Minister of Human Resources and Social Development, said.  “This funding is helping the John Howard Society of Saskatoon give young men hope, dignity and a path to a safer, better and stronger future.”

“This renovation project exemplifies what HomeFirst is all about – providing low-income Saskatchewan residents with choices to improve their lives through stable, affordable housing,” Justice Minister Frank Quennell said on behalf of Community Resources Minister Buckley Belanger.  “Creative partnerships like this help improve the quality of life in our communities.  We are pleased that Saskatoon youth have another safe, affordable housing option, with the supports they need to become independent and create a life that will be fulfilling.”

“The City of Saskatoon welcomes the opportunity to be part of this acquisition and renovation project at Cedar House,” Saskatoon Mayor Donald Atchison said.  “The greater opportunities for safe, affordable, transitional housing offered to youth by the HomeFirst strategy is helping to build a stronger community for all residents.”

The total capital cost of the acquisition and renovation project is estimated at $287,300 including the cost of the land.  John Howard Society of Saskatoon was approved for a CAHP contribution of $200,000, with the breakdown as follows: $100,000 from Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation; $80,000 from Saskatchewan Housing Corporation; and $20,000 from the City of Saskatoon.  An additional $87,300 in funding was received from Service Canada – National Homelessness Initiative.

Located at 5th Avenue North in Saskatoon, Cedar House consists of six bedrooms, five bathrooms and shared kitchen and resource areas.  The project features five independent living units with supports such as live-in mentors and Cedar House staff who assist vulnerable youth as they transition into independence.   Residents learn life skills including budgeting, shopping, working, and making positive choices to create safe, healthy and independent lifestyles.

John Howard Society of Saskatoon is an independent voluntary organization composed of citizens who accept responsibility for understanding and dealing with the problems of crime and the criminal justice system in a creative, humane and progressive manner.  The Society fulfils this responsibility through reform advocacy, direct service and public education.

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.

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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