Housing Project for At-Risk Youth Open in Saskatoon

SASKATOON, British Columbia, September 28, 2007 — Twelve at-risk young women aged 18 – 23 will be living more independently and enjoying an enhanced quality of life, thanks to a new affordable rental housing project that officially opened today in Saskatoon. The project, consisting of two buildings called My Home III and IV, received funding from the federal, provincial and municipal governments totaling over $600,000.

“Canada’s New Government is committed to helping create new affordable housing across Saskatchewan for those who need it most,” said Maurice Vellacott, Member of Parliament for Saskatoon – Wanuskewin, on behalf of the Honourable Monte Solberg, Minister of Human Resources and Social Development. “These new homes here in Saskatoon will help young women with lower incomes access quality, affordable housing and start a new page in their lives.”

“We are pleased to work with all levels of government, the Saskatoon Downtown Youth Centre and other partners to make projects like My Home III and IV a reality,” Community Resources Minister Kevin Yates said. “This project also exemplifies what HomeFirst is all about, which is helping Saskatchewan people to build better futures right here in Saskatchewan.”

“Through our Innovative Housing Incentive Program, we are able to collaborate on projects like this that make a difference on such a personal level,” Mayor Donald Atchison said. “These young women will benefit from stable and safe housing, as well as from the additional programs that will help them build a positive future.”

The project was undertaken by the Saskatoon Downtown Youth Centre Inc. (EGADZ) and is supported through the Centenary Affordable Housing Program (CAHP), part of Saskatchewan’s HomeFirst housing policy framework and the City of Saskatoon’s Innovative Housing Incentive Program.

The project consists of two buildings in the new neighbourhood of Hampton Village in Saskatoon. Each building is 1,982 square feet with six bedrooms and shared kitchen and resource areas. Support services link the young women to school, training, employment and other community resources. Individuals in the homes will also have input on how the homes operate, thereby creating a sense of ownership. My Home III and IV are based on the highly successful My Home and My Home Too models which serve young people aged 12 – 17 in Saskatoon.

The total capital cost for both homes is $628,414. EGADZ was approved under CAHP for $492,000. The breakdown of the CAHP contribution is as follows: Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) $246,000; Saskatchewan Housing Corporation (SHC) $196,800; and City of Saskatoon $49,200. An additional $155,070 was provided in federal homelessness funding. The balance of the funding will be provided by other in-kind contributions.

The Government of Canada’s Homelessness Partnering Strategy began on April 1, 2007. It is providing $269.6 million over two years to help communities across Canada combat homelessness more effectively. The Strategy puts in place structures and supports that help people who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless achieve self-sufficiency, and fosters partnerships aimed at realizing concrete results.

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.

EGADZ is a non-profit, community-based organization that has provided direct support services to empower at-risk youth in Saskatoon since 1990.

Kimberlee Jones
CMHC
Calgary
Phone: 403-515-3048

Linda Saliken
Community Resources
Regina
Phone: 306-787-0246

Alan Wallace
City of Saskatoon
Saskatoon
Phone: 306-975-2650