YWCA RENOVATIONS HELP SASKATOON FAMILIES AND CHILDREN

YWCA Saskatoon shelter and residence officially re-opened today thanks to federal and provincial funding totalling $856,500.

The project is fully funded through the Residential Rehabilitation Program (RRAP), which is cost shared between Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (75 per cent) and Saskatchewan Housing Corporation (25 per cent).

“Canada's New Government is committed to providing safe and supportive housing to vulnerable women and children,” said Lynne Yelich, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Human Resources and Social Development, on behalf of the Honourable Monte Solberg, Minister of Human Resources and Social Development.  “This funding is helping the YWCA give women and their children in Saskatoon hope, dignity and a path to a safer, better and stronger future.”

“The YWCA project exemplifies what HomeFirst, our five-year housing strategy, is all about – providing safe, affordable housing for some of the most vulnerable people in our community,” Labour Minister David Forbes said on behalf of Community Resources Minister Buckley Belanger. “HomeFirst is a cornerstone of our government’s commitment to making life better for working Saskatchewan families, and our goal to build vibrant, healthy communities.”

Located at 510 – 25th Street East, YWCA Saskatoon offers 22 rooming house units which provide temporary shelter to women, children and youth who are victims of family violence and 18 units for single women who need affordable, transitional housing.  The second and third floors of the facility are fully renovated and include common shower, washroom and kitchen facilities, elevator and security upgrades and a children’s play area.

The RRAP - Shelter Enhancement program funded the renovation of the 22 units at a cost of $528,000.  This program provides financial assistance to develop additional emergency shelter spaces or housing units for victims of family violence.

The RRAP - Rental program funded the renovation of the 18 units at a cost of $288,000.  This program helps ensure there are adequate rental accommodations available for low-income households.

On April 1, Canada’s New Government launched the new Homelessness Partnering Strategy (HPS), which provides $269.6 million over two years to help communities across Canada combat homelessness more effectively.  The HPS replaced the National Homelessness Initiative, which provided funding in the amount of $40,500 for this project.

Established in 1910, YWCA Saskatoon is committed to providing critical supports to women and their families at turning points in their lives and helping them achieve physical, emotional and social well-being.

-30-

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