Two Saskatoon agencies who fight homelessness receive funding for renos
- EFN Staff | April 12, 2017
Saskatoon Housing Initiatives Partnership (SHIP) and the Community Advisory Board on Saskatoon Homelessness (CAB-SH) are proud to announce renovation funding for two important agencies in Saskatoon who serve and support individuals who face homelessness.
The Government of Canada’s Homelessness Partnering Strategy (HPS) aims to prevent and reduce homelessness across Canada. The HPS program is providing $74,271 for these important capital projects:
- The Saskatoon Indian and Metis Friendship Centre will receive $34,268 in capital funding to renovate their bathrooms, lighting, emergency exits and kitchen area, as well as the installation of a new window, new flooring and security cameras.
- The Lighthouse Supported Living Inc. will receive $35,789 in capital funding to develop two low-barrier suites for Housing First clients who struggle with alcohol use and have been reliant on shelters.
- The Lighthouse Supported Living Inc. will receive $4,214 in capital funding to install adequate lighting to improve safety and visibility around the supported living tower. This is a partnership with the City of Saskatoon.
“Kinship is an Aboriginal principle that speaks to community solidarity as a means of survival and growth. Our facility is known as a gathering place that fosters this true sense of community,” says May Henderson, Interim Executive Director of the Saskatoon Indian and Métis Friendship Centre (SIMFC). “There is a high need for safe, secure, clean, understanding and compassionate places for individuals experiencing homelessness or those at risk to call their home away from home. We provide this welcoming space. As such, we have many people who rely on SIMFC being available to them and they have created a sense of community here. The investment from the Homelessness Partnering Strategy for these renovations will enhance the security, safety, and maintenance of our building.”
“So many of the individuals who frequent our shelter need supported housing, but there just are not enough units available that welcome people who have some barriers,” says Don Windels, Executive Director of the Lighthouse Supported Living Inc. “Some people have ended up cycling through shelters, instead finding a permanent home. We are grateful for the opportunity to renovate two low barrier units specifically designed for those who have issues with alcohol.”
Windels anticipates a positive change: "With the funding from the Homelessness Partnering Strategy, the extra support from our community partners and a place to call home, we expect to end the cycle of homelessness for two individuals."
"We are also very thankful for the funding we received from both the City of Saskatoon and HPS to improve the lighting around our building,” says Windels. “The additional lighting increases the safety of both our tenants and people in the community who patronize the many businesses around us. We are committed to finding ways in which we can continue to support the local businesses in the vicinity.”
SHIP and CAB-SH approved funding for this project.
“These two agencies make a difference in the lives of vulnerable people every day, offering a range of services and support, including moving people from homelessness into a permanent home,” says Shaun Dyck, Executive Director of SHIP. “The funding for renovations helps ensure the longevity of these non-profits, as they serve our community and work to end homelessness.”