$ 1.2 Million Rental Housing Development Opens in Saskatoon

News Release – March 20, 2009

More affordable, quality rental housing will be available for low-income families and youth at risk, with today’s opening of 12 renovated units located in the Pleasant Hill neighbourhood of Saskatoon.”Our government remains focused on providing families with the opportunity to raise their children within the family home where possible,” Social Services Minister Donna Harpauer said. “This project will help women and their families build better lives for themselves, and to work toward economic independence and active involvement in their community.”

“Our government is supporting many Canadians with housing needs and is fulfilling its commitment to help those seeking to break free of the cycle of homelessness and poverty,” said Kelly Block, Member of Parliament for Saskatoon-Rosetown-Biggar, on behalf of Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development. “By providing essential services, we are enabling vulnerable individuals to achieve self-sufficiency and full participation in society.”

The total cost of the project is estimated to be about $1.2 million. Of that amount, the Province of Saskatchewan, through Saskatchewan Housing Corporation, contributed $924,000. The Government of Canada’s Homelessness Partnering Strategy provided $206,000, with the City of Saskatoon adding $125,000.

The Central Urban Métis Federation Inc. (CUMFI) partnership forms part of the Province’s response to the issue of foster home overcrowding in Saskatoon, announced on February 25, 2009.

“The City of Saskatoon congratulates CUMFI on the opening of their new housing development,” Saskatoon Mayor Donald Atchison said. “This project is a good example of CUMFI’s commitment to providing clean, safe, affordable housing where it is needed most. We fully support rejuvenation of older neighbourhoods and welcome the families to their new homes.”

“We are pleased to announce that our CUMFI corner is complete,” CUMFI president Shirley Isbister said. “The addition of this fourth building will allow us the opportunity to provide the appropriate resources and support to families in a caring community environment. Children who are in foster care will be reunited with their mothers to live together as a cohesive family unit.”

The project was undertaken by CUMFI, a community-based, non-profit corporation established in 1993 in Saskatoon. This will be the second site of the “Coming Home” program, a community partnership with CUMFI which provides women with children in foster care the opportunity to co-parent with a mentor mom and obtain assistance from the Ministry of Social Services where necessary.

Located at 103 Avenue T South, the affordable rental project will provide five two-bedroom and seven one-bedroom suites in an existing apartment building adjacent to three other apartments already owned and operated by CUMFI. As in CUMFI’s other rental housing, living supports will be available for all tenants.

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For more information, contact:

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

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

National Media Relations Office
Human Resources and Skills Development Canada
Quebec
Phone: 819-994-5559

Shirley Isbister
CUMFI
Saskatoon
Phone: 306-975-9999

Michelle Bakos
Office of Minister Finley
Phone: 819-994-2482