NEW HOME IN MELFORT FOR PEOPLE WITH INTELLECTUAL DISABILITIES

Construction on a new home for people with intellectual disabilities kicked-off today in Melfort with an official sod-turning ceremony.

The residence is being built and operated by PLUS Industries Inc. through a funding partnership with the Government of Saskatchewan. Once completed, the home will provide living spaces for 12 special needs adults.

"We are excited to see this new home under construction in Melfort," Social Services Minister June Draude said. "This residence will help make Saskatchewan one of the best places to live in Canada for people with disabilities and will remove an additional seven people from the Community Living waitlist."

"This new home will make a real difference in the lives of people with special needs from Melfort and the surrounding area," PLUS Industries Inc. Board of Directors Chairperson Beverley Seiffert said. "In addition to providing enhanced programming and supports, this new home will allow residents to remain part of this vibrant community."

The Government of Saskatchewan will provide $400,000 in one-time capital funding, an additional $481,000 in annual operational funding, and more than $32,000 on an annual basis to assist with mortgage payments once the home is completed this fall. A Summit Action Fund grant of $137,900 is also being provided by the Saskatchewan Housing Corporation to help develop four self-contained basement apartments within the home.

This investment builds on the government's four-year commitment to eliminate the waitlist of 440 Saskatchewan people with intellectual disabilities who require programs and services by 2012-13. To date, services for 373 people - or 85 per cent of the waitlist - are already in place across the province.

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For more information, contact:

Andrew Dinsmore
Social Services
Regina
Phone: 306-787-8689
Email: andrew.dinsmore@gov.sk.ca

Ed Bourassa
PLUS Industries Inc.
Melfort
Phone: 306-752-4587