NEW AFFORDABLE RENTAL HOUSING PROJECT IN REGINA RECEIVES GOVERNMENT FUNDING

The Government of Saskatchewan is investing $3.8 million to develop a new 40-unit affordable, supportive housing project for low-income persons. Thirty-two units will serve people with serious mental illness, with the remaining eight units serving people with intellectual disabilities.

The Regina project, sponsored by Ehrlo Community Services in collaboration with the Phoenix Residential Society, received funding under Saskatchewan Housing Corporation's Rental Development Program and through the Ministry of Social Services.

"This project is an excellent opportunity for the government to join with community partners in delivering quality, affordable rental housing to those most in need," Social Services Minister and Minister responsible for Saskatchewan Housing Corporation Donna Harpauer said. "Most importantly, we are helping persons with serious mental illness and people with intellectual disabilities build independent lives and brighter futures. We are also providing them with access to a wide range of community supports that will meet their needs."

"The strength of this project is based on the partnership between Phoenix Residential Society, which has 30 years of experience providing services and supports to individuals with serious mental illness, and Ehrlo Community Services, which has delivered supportive housing programs in Regina for over a decade," Ehrlo Community Services Vice-President Malcolm Neill said. "The project also addresses a priority population identified in the Regina Community Plan 2007."

This initiative is part of the government's $76.9 million commitment, announced by Minister Harpauer in September 2008, to address the waitlist for specialized, residential and day-program services for people with intellectual disabilities.

The affordable rental housing project will consist of an accessible three-storey building with commercial space on the main level, and 40 independent bachelor-style rental units on the two upper stories. The building will be located at 2039 Osler Street in Regina.

Ehrlo Community Services was established as a non-profit corporation in 1995 and is an associated charity with the Ranch Ehrlo Society, which has been serving children and families in Regina since 1966. The organization currently operates 60 affordable housing units, including complexes for single parent and low-income families.

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For more information, contact:

Linda Saliken
Social Services
Regina
Phone: 306-787-0246