Over $3.2 million announced to address homelessness in Saskatchewan

news release

Over $3.2 million announced to address homelessness in Saskatchewan

Date: January 20, 2005
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

REGINA, SK — The Government of Canada is investing over $3.2 million to support 25 projects to prevent and alleviate homelessness in eight Saskatchewan communities.

The Honourable Joe Fontana, Minister of Labour and Housing today announced National Homelessness Initiative (NHI) funding for projects in Saskatchewan's three designated cities, Regina, Saskatoon, and Prince Albert. Investments for today's projects through the Supporting Communities Partnership Initiative and Urban Aboriginal Homelessness components of the NHI in these three communities address the priorities identified by the community through local community plans to address homelessness. As well, there are many non-designated communities experiencing significant needs relating to community members who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. Today's announcement also includes funding for projects in five non-designated communities: Île à la Crosse, La Loche, Lac La Ronge, Melfort and Moose Jaw.

"The Government of Canada believes that shelter is the foundation upon which healthy communities and individual dignity are built," said Minister Fontana. "Today's projects are a good example of communities working together to find local solutions to address the unique needs of people who are homeless, or who are at risk of becoming homeless."

"The province of Saskatchewan welcomes this support for our community partners," said Crofford. "Our government works actively with many of these organizations to support people who are homeless or at-risk of becoming homeless so that Saskatchewan people, regardless of differences in needs or circumstances have the opportunity to contribute and be included in the economic and social life of the province."

Funding from today's announcement is being provided for the following projects. For more detailed information on these projects, please see the attached backgrounder.

Île à la Crosse

  • Seeking Shelter: Homelessness and Housing Plan — Project Sponsor: Village of Île à la Crosse — $32,800

La Loche

  • Dene Empowerment Housing Project — Project Sponsor: Methy Construction & Maintenance Corporation — $1,348,928

Lac La Ronge

  • Supportive Services Feasibility Study — Project Sponsor: NorthSask Special Needs Housing, Employment Recreation Partnership) — $39,150

Melfort

  • Melfort Community Plan: Homelessness and Support Services — Project Sponsor: City of Melfort — $33,264

Moose Jaw

  • Mental Health Housing — Project Sponsor: Moose Jaw Non Profit Housing Corporation — $541,725
  • Transitional Youth Shelter — Project Sponsor: Connecting as Neighbours Cooperative Ltd. — $13,275

Regina

  • Regina Safe House Project — Project Sponsor: Oyate Ataya Wakanyeka Owicakiyapi Inc. — $450,000
  • Accessible Housing for Persons with Disabilities — Project Sponsor: South Saskatchewan Independent Living Centre Inc. — $125,780
  • WISH Shelter Enhancement Project — Project Sponsor: Wichihik Iskwewak Safehouse Incorporated — $85,000
  • Housing Feasibility Study FASD — Project Sponsor: Community Health Services Assoc. (Regina) Ltd. — $46,000
  • Brief Detox. and Homelessness Shelter — Project Sponsor: Regina-Qu'Appelle Health Region — $28,185
  • Red Ribbon Place — Project Sponsor: All Nations Hope AIDS Network Incorporated —Phase 1 Feasibility and Assessment Study — Project Sponsor: Regina Treaty/Status Indian Services — $$26,500
  • Family Residential Treatment Program — Project Sponsor: Ranch Ehrlo Society — $14,138

Prince Albert

  • Kids First Family Wellness Centre — Project Sponsor: Saskatchewan Rivers School Division #119 — $32,140
  • Manville Bay Feasibility Study — Project Sponsor: River Bank Development Corporation — $17,000

Saskatoon

  • Transitional Housing Pilot — Project Sponsor: Saskatoon Housing Coalition, Inc. — $128,762
  • Feasibility Study and Capacity Building: Supports for Adults with FASD — Project Sponsor: Saskatchewan Fetal Alcohol Support Network — $58,580
  • 211 for All Saskatchewan: Feasibility and a Plan — Project Sponsor: United Way of Saskatoon — $40,000
  • Van Replacement Project — Project Sponsor: Saskatoon Friendship Inn — $32,091
  • YWCA of Saskatoon Capacity Building Project — Project Sponsor: YWCA of Saskatoon — $30,000
  • YWCA Shelter Renovations — Project Sponsor: YWCA of Saskatoon — $28,288
  • Prevention Of Violence And Abuse — Project Sponsor: Crocus Co-Operative — $11,000
  • An Examination of Hidden Homelessness Among First Nations, Métis and Inuit People in Prairie Cities — Project Sponsor: Institute of Urban Studies, University of Winnipeg — $9,600
  • Salvation Army of Saskatoon Capacity Building Project — Project Sponsor: The Salvation Army of Saskatoon — $3,000

Since the Government of Canada launched the NHI in December 1999 to support communities' efforts to help Canadians out of homelessness, over $17.2 million has been invested through more than 100 projects to address homelessness in Saskatchewan. Between 1999 and 2006, the Government of Canada will have allocated $1.15 billion on its commitment to address homelessness across Canada. Funding for the NHI was provided for in the last federal Budget.

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For more information on the Government of Canada's National Homelessness Initiative, visit our Web site.

For more information, contact:

Craig Henry
Service Canada
Regional Communications
Regina, Saskatchewan
1 306 564-5380

Backgrounder: National Homelessness Initiative (NHI) Projects

Île à la Crosse.

Northern Village of Île à la Crosse: Seeking Shelter — Development of a Homelessness and Housing Plan for Île à la Crosse. — $32,800

The Northern Village of Île à la Crosse. is a community of 1700, which is facing a housing shortage and conditions of overcrowding.

The Village Council will receive $32,800 through the National Homelessness Initiative to undertake a community planning and consultation process that will consider innovative approaches to dealing with identified homelessness and housing issues, create a homelessness/housing community strategy and determine courses of action, and deepen community awareness and involvement in tackling homelessness and housing issues in the North. This project is also receiving $2,500 in in-kind support from the Village of Île à la Crosse. A local steering committee will be set up to guide the consultation process, development of a plan, and implementation of the completed plan.

For more information on this project, please contact:
Rose Daigneault, Village of Île a la Crosse
Tel.: 1 306 833-2122

La Ronge

NorthSask Special Needs Housing, Employment Recreation Inc.: Supportive Services Feasibility Study — $39,150

The population of Northern Saskatchewan has a higher incidence of mental and physical disabilities such as Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) than the rest of the province. As the main service centre for Northern Saskatchewan, Lac La Ronge draws a growing number of people to the community, many of whom are homeless, couch-surfing with relatives or moving from institutions to the street and back. As a result, Lac La Ronge faces a high demand for housing, employment opportunities, and supportive services for clients with mental and physical disabilities.

NorthSask Special Needs Housing, Employment, Recreation Inc. will receive $39,150 in National Homelessness Initiative funding to undertake a feasibility study that will develop a sustainable community model for supportive services to this homeless target group. It will also perform needs assessment for homeless and at-risk persons in the community, review community assets and gaps in service to this target group, identify resources and services, and develop a working model that can address the homelessness and lifestyle stabilization issues for this group. The model will involve coordination and referral among existing service agencies as well as new approaches, and will also include a recommended action plan for implementation.

For more information on this project, please contact:
Laurie Zarazun, Client Care Coordinator NorthSask Special Needs housing, Employment, Recreation, Inc.
Tel.: 1 306 425-4829

La Loche

Methy Construction and Maintenance Corporation: Dene Empowerment Housing Project, Phase 2 and 3, La Loche — $1,348,928

The Northern Village of La Loche faces a severe housing shortage. At the same time, existing housing stock is often inadequate (with homes lacking heat, water, or proper sanitation), and overcrowding often leads to serious health issues. With approximately 100 births per year in the community, the need for adequate housing is growing.

Methy Construction and Maintenance Corporation, a non-profit corporation created in 1983 to develop commercial capacity, jobs and training for residents of the isolated community will receive $1,348,928 in National Homelessness Initiative funding to construct four fourplex and two duplex housing structures that will provide 20 transitional living units for homeless families and individuals. This is an excellent project that responds to community need and exemplifies the benefits of federal, provincial and community partnership. The project is in the final stages of provincial review for $1,000,000 in funding under the Centenary Affordable Housing Program. It also has received $150,000 in in-kind support from the Village of La Loche, and $115,000 in in-kind support from Methy Construction and Maintenance Corporation.

For more information on this project, please contact:
Doug Gailey, Methy Construction and Maintenance Corporation
Tel.: 1 306 822-2032

Melfort

City of Melfort: Melfort Community Plan — Homelessness and Support Services — $33,264

Labour market information indicators show Melfort is another small community in Saskatchewan that is experiencing rapid Aboriginal population growth from surrounding First Nations. The City of Melfort recognizes that it needs an integrated plan and increased capacity to address homelessness issues, and has identified homelessness and support services for the homeless as a planning priority for the Melfort and District Planning Committee.

The City of Melfort will receive $33,264 in National Homelessness Initiative funding to enable them to develop a comprehensive community service plan for Melfort. NHI funding will make it possible for a coordinator to be hired to develop a community profile, conduct a community needs assessment, build partnerships with others — including Aboriginal organizations — to enhance community ownership of process and solutions, deliver a report on the results of the community planning process, and work with the Melfort and District Planning Committee to develop recommendations for a comprehensive strategy to support those experiencing all aspects of homelessness in Melfort, including housing, health, recreation, employment and related support services. This project is also receiving $2,000 in in-kind support from the City of Melfort.

For more information on this project, please contact:
Ken Ottenbreit, City of Melfort
Tel. 1 306 752-5911

Moose Jaw

Moose Jaw Non Profit Housing Corporation: Mental Health Housing — $541,725

The Moose Jaw Mental Health Housing Committee was formed to address the identified need for supportive housing for persons with mental disabilities as initially identified in the results of a 1987 Moose Jaw Mental Health Centre Rehabilitation Client Survey and more recently reconfirmed as a Moose Jaw community plan priority.

The Moose Jaw Non Profit Housing Corporation, a member of the Mental Health Housing Committee currently operates three housing facilities for marginalized populations, will receive $541,725 in National Homelessness Initiative funding to construct a 16-unit apartment building with a common area, and a community service centre that will provide emergency, safe supported shelter, affordable housing and a continuum of support services to adults who experience severe and persistent mental illness. Twelve one-bedroom units will be designated affordable units and four units will be designated emergency/transitional. This project is also receiving $440,000 from Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, $302,000 from Sask Housing Corporation, $170,066 from Moose Jaw Non Profit Housing Corporation, $100,000 from the Thunder Creek Rehabilitation Association, and $88,000 from the City of Moose Jaw.

For more information on this project, please contact:
Anne Marie Ursan, Manager, Rehabilitation Services, Mental Health and Addictions Services, Fill Hills Health Region
Tel.: 1 306 691-6468

Connecting as Neighbours Cooperative Ltd.: Transitional Youth Shelter — $13,275

Connecting as Neighbours Cooperative Ltd. incorporated in March 2001 was created to strengthen the economic and social well-being of Moose Jaw's core neighbourhoods, and is a member of the Moose Jaw Child Action Committee and Youth Issues Sub-Committee, which was formed to address the need for a transitional facility for youth who are homeless or are at risk of becoming homeless, as identified in the Moose Jaw: Needs Assessment Report for at risk and Homeless Youth 2000–2001.

Connecting as Neighbours Cooperative Ltd. will receive $13,275 to conduct pre-development activities related to the development of a ten-bed transitional shelter with support services for youth between the ages of 16 and 22 that provides safe and stable housing. This project is also receiving $4,400 in in-kind support from Connecting as Neighbours Cooperative Ltd.

For more information on this project, please contact:
Shelley Polos-Fox, Executive Director, Connecting as Neighbours Cooperative Ltd.
Tel. 1 306 691-5226

Prince Albert

Saskatchewan Rivers School Division #119: Kids First Family Wellness Centre, — $32,140

Kids First is an innovative community-based program in Prince Albert that works with existing agencies in the community to support healthy early childhood development and to deliver a continuum of services to meet the needs of vulnerable, at-risk families with children from birth to age five. It is governed by a Management Committee represented by a wide range of agencies in Prince Albert. Kids First receives funding through the Federal Early Childhood Development Program channelled through the Provincial Early Childhood Development Branch.

Kids First will receive $32,140 in National Homelessness Initiative funding to hire a coordinator who will design, develop and operate a Family Wellness Centre for all homeless and at-risk families in Prince Albert. The Centre will make it possible to coordinate and enhance existing programs and services for all homeless and at-risk families in Prince Albert at one location — the King George Community School. The Family Wellness Centre will help families gain skills to help them cope with issues and challenges they face in working towards a better quality of life. Centre staff will also act as housing advocates so families get the information they need to obtain and maintain same and stable housing. This project is also receiving $19,834 in in-kind support from Kids First, $17,276 in in-kind support from the Saskatchewan Rivers School Division, and $7,800 in in-kind support from the Prince Albert Grand Council — Urban Services.

For more information on this project, please contact:
Sylvia Gent, Program Manager, Kids First Family Wellness Centre
Tel: 1 306 765-6656

River Bank Development Corporation: Manville Bay Feasibility Study — $17,000

River Bank Development Corporation (RBDC) is a non-profit corporation that has operated in Prince Albert since July 1998. Its mandate is to promote social and economic development within Prince Albert's low-income community. The organization has extensive experience in developing, renovating and financially managing affordable housing units, and helped low-income families to purchase homes through co-op housing initiatives. River Bank Development Corporation also manages the communities recycle Store, Smart Families Food Co-operative, and Creations Catering Co-operative.

RBDC will receive $17,000 in National Homelessness Initiative funding to assess the feasibility of purchasing and renovating a 30-unit townhouse complex for homeless families in the West Flat area of Prince Albert. RBDC will conduct a survey of homeless families and social service agencies that work with homeless people in the community to determine the need for additional transitional housing, survey the townhouse complex to determine the extent of renovations and reports, and develop a comprehensive renovation budget to determine the overall feasibility and sustainability of the project. This project is also receiving $8,800 in in-kind support from River Bank Development Corporation.

For more information on this project, please contact:
Brian Howell, Manager, River Bank Development Corporation
Tel. 1 306 763-7457

Regina

Oyate Ataya Wakanyeka Owicakiyapi: Regina Safe House Project — $450,000

Oyate Ataya Wakanyeja Owicakiyapi incorporated in May 2003, was created as a response to an expression of interest from Saskatchewan Social Services and the Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations for a First Nations community organization to operate a Regina Safe Shelter for children. Oyate began operation of a temporary safe house in July 2003 for young adolescents aged 12 to 15 who are homeless and who have been or are at risk of being sexually exploited in Regina's street sex trade. Since Safe House services were first offered in July, occupancy rates have varied but there have been instances when it has been necessary to turn children away (the temporary shelter can accommodate four children).

Oyate will receive $450,000 to build a new and permanent six-bedroom Safe House for children that are transitioning from the sex trade to a stable healthy environment. This project is also receiving $258,519 in funding from Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, $86,173 in funding from Saskatchewan Housing Corporation, and operational funding from Saskatchewan Community Resources and Employment.

For more information on this project, please contact:
Erica Beaudin, Director, Oyate Ataya Wakanyeja Owicakiyapi
Tel.: 1 306 721-2822

South Saskatchewan Independent Living Centre, Inc.: Accessible Housing for Persons with Disabilities — $125,780

During the public consultation process that formed the basis of the updated Regina Community Plan on Homelessness, the community recognized that people with disabilities often face unique housing challenges, and may become homeless due to the difficulty in finding suitable housing solutions. Specialized housing options to support Reginans living with disabilities were identified as a key element of the community's efforts to reduce the risk of homelessness by supporting people in becoming less isolated and marginalized and to move toward greater self-sufficiency.

The South Saskatchewan Independent Living Centre (SSILC) is a community-based, cross-disability agency that promotes the inclusion and full participation of people with disabilities in the community. SSILC supports people with disabilities to explore options, make choices, accept responsibility, and take risks. SSILC will receive $125,780 in funding through the National Homelessness Initiative to construct two transitional housing units to house people with disabilities who are homeless. These units will be located within SSILC's Albert Street multi-unit housing complex. Previous Government of Canada and the Province of Saskatchewan funding administered through the Residential Rehabilitation Assistance Program and the Centenary Affordable Housing Program supported SSILC's purchase of the Albert Street facility and its conversion from a vacant office building into a transitional housing complex.

For more information on this project, please contact:
Tracy Knutson, Executive Director, South Saskatchewan Independent Living Centre, Inc.
Tel./T.T.Y: 1 306 757-7452

Wichihik Iskwewak Safe House: Shelter Enhancement Project — $85,000

Wichihik Iskwewak Safe House (WISH) is a 24-hour emergency safe house which provides programs and services to women and children of Aboriginal ancestry who are victims of domestic violence since 1989. WISH works with individuals and families to help stabilize their lives and stop the cycle of violence.

WISH will receive $85,000 in National Homelessness Initiative funding to renovate the basement of the shelter facility to create an office space and area for the delivery of a more comprehensive childcare program. By enhancing the childcare services, WISH will enhance their ability to offer women and children who are enduring or escaping from violence practical support and educational materials on how to break the cycle of abuse. In addition, a project consultant will be hired to identify current gaps in services and explore viable options for longer term housing needed by Aboriginal women and their children departing from emergency shelters.

For more information on this project, please contact:
Laura Fauchon, Director, Wichihik Iskwewak Safe House
Tel.: 1 306 543-0493

Community Health Services Association (Regina) Ltd.: Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Supportive Housing Model Study — $46,000

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is a disability resulting from prenatal exposure to alcohol. Often resulting in behavioural problems, developmental delays and learning disabilities, FASD places people at increased risk of dropping out of school, being unemployed, and becoming incarcerated, making them far more likely than others to be homeless. The unique challenges people living with FASD face were identified during the public consultation process that formed the basis of the updated Regina Community Plan on Homelessness. The community recognized that traditional housing and support services are not always able to address the needs of people with FASD.

The Community Health Services Association (Regina) Ltd. will receive $46,000 in funding through the National Homelessness Initiative to identify a housing model that will provide the necessary behavioural, social and adaptive life skill supports to meet the needs of homeless youth, adults and seniors living with FASD. This project is also receiving $8,000 in in-kind support from the Regina FASD Community Network.

For more information on this project, please contact:
Dr. Mavis Oleson, Coordinator
Tel.: 1 306 790-9066

Regina Qu'Appelle Health Region: Regina and Area Drug Strategy Brief Detoxification Shelter — $45,000

The Regina and Area Drug Strategy Project was created in 2001 to improve the quality of life for all citizens, and provide a healthier and safer community by reducing the impact of addictions. The relationship between addictions and homelessness was identified during public consultations that formed the basis of the updated Regina Community Plan on Homelessness and Housing, and was also highlighted in the Regina and Area Drug Strategy Report, released in 2003.

The Regina Qu'Appelle Health Region, one of the 18 partners involved in the Regina and Area Drug Strategy, will receive $45,000 in funding through the National Homelessness Initiative to conduct a feasibility study to determine the nature of need for a brief detoxification and homeless shelter in Regina. Brief detoxification shelters typically provide a safe and secure environment for short-term stays for rest, sleep and recovery as an alternative to short-term incarceration or emergency room admissions. Brief detoxification shelters also offer services such as addictions counselling, recovery resources, outpatient addiction services, and self-help groups that support people in becoming less isolated and marginalized and to move toward greater self-sufficiency reducing their risk of becoming homeless. This project is also receiving $16,500 in in-kind support from the Regina Qu'Appelle Health Region.

For more information on this project, please contact:
Lori Carlson, Manager, Addictions Services, Regina and Area Drug Strategy
Tel. 1 306 766-7926

All Nations Hope Aids Network: Red Ribbon Place — $28,185

All Nations Hope AIDS Network (ANHAN) was established by AIDS Program South Saskatchewan (APSS) as the only Aboriginal HIV/AIDS and Hepatitis C Network in Saskatchewan. For the past five years, ANHAN and APSS have been delivering the needle exchange program which aims to prevent blood-transmitted illness such as HIV, Hepatitis C and B. Every year over a million used needles are exchanged for sterile injection material, giving Regina the highest per capita exchange rate in the country. Although APSS has a special fund for emergency housing, they find that clients often require further assistance in finding safe, suitable housing options.

ANHAN will receive $28,185 in National Homelessness Initiative funding to support their capacity to provide services and to explore the feasibility of transitional housing for people with HIV/AIDS.

For more information on this project, please contact:
Margaret Akan, Director, All Nations Hope AIDS Network
Tel.: 1 306 924-8427

Regina Treaty/Status Indian Services: Phase I Feasibility and Assessment Study — $26,500

File Hills Qu'Appelle Tribal Council owns and operates a number of subsidiary entities located in both rural and urban areas and provides programs and services, with Regina Treaty Status Indian Services (RT/SIS) serving as the urban service delivery entity. Housed at The Gathering Place, RT/SIS' mission is to achieve "one stop service delivery" ensuring the efficient and effective delivery of programs and services to Regina's Treaty Status Indian population.

RT/SIS will receive $26,500 in National Homelessness Initiative funding to conduct a feasibility and assessment study into ways to accommodate the growth and expansion of programs related to homelessness for at-risk youth, single parents, and families.

For more information on this project, please contact:
Garry Courchene, Manager, Urban Services, RT/SIS
Tel.: 1 306 522-2568

Ranch Ehrlo Society: Family Residential Treatment Program — $14,138

Ranch Ehrlo Society develops and delivers unique and innovative programs to assist at-risk children and youth in Saskatchewan. The goal of the society is to return youth residents back to their families as soon as possible. In many cases, however, parents are addressing their own issues including homelessness, addictions, mental health issues, domestic violence or poverty.

Ranch Ehrlo Society will receive $14,138 in National Homelessness Initiative funding to conduct site feasibility analysis, discussions with potential partners and initial conceptual drawings in order to establish a Family Residential Treatment Facility that would provide transitional housing.

For more information on this project, please contact:
David Rivers, Director Residential Services, Ranch Ehrlo Society
Tel. 1 306 781-1802

Saskatoon

Saskatoon Housing Coalition, Inc.: Transitional Housing Pilot — $128,762

Saskatoon Housing Coalition (SHC) provides transitional and supportive services to homeless mentally ill individuals seeking to become self-sufficient. SHC has been successfully in operation since 1983. It manages two supported living apartment buildings with 56 units in total as well as a five-bed supportive home.

SHC will receive $128,762 in National Homelessness Initiative funding to determine if an innovative model for delivering intensive supportive programs to individuals with mental illness can be delivered in a more independent housing setting where clients have access to community supports. If successful this pilot may be adapted and integrated into present systems for clients with mental health challenges. This project is also receiving $15,466 in in-kind support from the Saskatoon Housing Coalition, Inc.

For more information on this project, please contact:
Jo-Ann Coleman-Pidskalny, Executive Director, Saskatoon Housing Coalition
Tel.: 1 306 655-4977

Saskatchewan Fetal Alcohol Support Network: Feasibility Study and Capacity Building: Supports for Adults with FASD — $58,580

Like Regina, Saskatoon is home to many people living with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) — a disability that results from prenatal exposure to alcohol. People with FASD are often at greater risk than others of becoming homeless due to increased risk of dropping out of school, being unemployed, and becoming incarcerated. During the public consultation process that formed the basis of the updated Saskatoon Community Plan for Homelessness and Housing, the community identified the unique challenges people living with FASD.

Saskatchewan Fetal Alcohol Support Network (SFASN) has been operating as a support network for 11 years, has significant experience concerning the needs of FASD individuals and has concluded that more research and development was needed to determine a suitable model of care for adults with FASD. SFASN will receive $58,580 in National Homelessness Initiative funding to identify the gaps and opportunities, explore the feasibility and then develop an operating plan to provide supports for adolescents and adults with FASD in Saskatoon. This project is also receiving $13,675 in in-kind support from SFASN.

For more information on this project, please contact:
Kim Fast, Saskatchewan Fetal Alcohol Support Network
Tel.: 1 306 975-0884

United Way of Saskatoon: 211 for all Saskatchewan: Feasibility and a Plan — $40.000

Since 1959, the United Way of Saskatoon has raised and invested over $40M in the community. The United Way of Saskatoon's mission is "to improve lives and build community by engaging individuals and mobilizing collective action". 2-1-1 is a free, confidential, telephone information and referral service that provides a centralized access point to all human, social and health services available in a community. This concept has been operating at various locations across the United States for over 30 years, was first launched in Canada at Toronto in 2002, and has most recently been implemented in Edmonton. The 2-1-1 is an information referral service whose mandate is to refer the caller to the correct human service organization — not to deliver the human service themselves.

The United Way of Saskatoon will receive $40,000 in National Homelessness Initiative funding to hire a consultant and develop the necessary outreach materials to begin collaboration, planning, development and outreach to explore the future implementation and partnership possibilities for a 2-1-1 system in Saskatchewan. Specific attention will be given to engaging the private sector and how the implementation of a 2-1-1 system will directly address the issue of homelessness within Saskatchewan.

For more information on this project, please contact:
Sheri Benson, Director of Community Services, United Way of Saskatoon
Tel. 1 306 975-7705

Saskatoon Friendship Inn: Van Replacement: $32,091

The Saskatoon Friendship Inn (SFI) is a non-profit organization which has been in operation in Saskatoon for over 35 years. SFI's meal program serves over 15,000 meals per month to those in Saskatoon living in poverty, with meals made up of food donated from grocery stores, egg farms, bakeries, churches, schools and individuals in Saskatoon and the surrounding area.

SFI will receive $32,091 in National Homelessness Initiative funding to purchase a new cargo van to assist them in providing services to those that are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless.

For more information on this project, please contact:
Giselle Doell; Executive Director, Secretary;
Tel.: 1 306 242-5122

YWCA of Saskatoon Capacity Building Project — $30,000 and Shelter Renovations Project — $ 28,288

The YWCA of Saskatoon was established in 1911. Their mandate is to meet the changing needs of women and their families within the community. For the past 12 years, the YWCA has operated an emergency shelter and support service facility for women and children in crisis in Saskatoon.

The YWCA of Saskatoon will receive $30,000 in National Homelessness Initiative funding to track and compile information on homeless and at-risk use of emergency shelters and transitional housing in Saskatoon. This project will also enable the YWCA to implement the Homeless Individuals and Families Information System data management system, which will help to alleviate the knowledge gap that currently exists concerning homelessness in Saskatoon.

The YWCA of Saskatoon will also receive $28,288 in National Homelessness Initiative funding to purchase capital assets and complete renovations to the YWCA shelter in order to improve the living environment of the residents, correct some health and safety issues, and improve the working conditions for shelter staff.

For more information on this project, please contact:
Shirley Kloeble, Director of Finance, YWCA of Saskatoon
Tel.: 1 306 244-7034 ext. 130

Crocus Co-operative: Prevention of Violence and Abuse — $11,000

The Crocus Co-operative is a member guided, grassroots co-operative that works on behalf of people recovering from mental illness. They do this by promoting their rights and responsibilities; providing a safe, accepting drop in environment and promoting members growth through vocational, educational, recreational and social programs. Their objective is to provide therapeutic networks to maximize their members' potential.

Crocus Co-operative will receive $11,000 in national Homelessness Initiative funding to research and develop an educational/training program which will be added to the existing training they provide to their members. The training is intended to help prepare the group's members to deal more effectively with domestic violence, public abuse and unethical behaviour.

For more information on this project, please contact:
Harvey Dahl, Executive Director, Crocus Co-operative
Tel.: 1 306 655-4970

University of Winnipeg National Research Program — An Examination of Hidden Homelessness Among First Nations, Metis and Inuit People in Prairie Cities — $9,600

The University of Winnipeg Institute of Urban Studies was originally dedicated to addressing the problems and concerns of the inner city, however, the scope of the Institute's research mandate has developed considerably over the years to now encompass the social demographics, physical, economic and environmental well-being of Canadian communities and cities. Research specialities include housing, neighbourhood change, urban Aboriginal issues, sustainable urban development and urban poverty. Because there is currently a limited amount of local research available on the hidden homeless Aboriginal population in urban centres, the University of Winnipeg is undertaking a larger national research project that will examine and shed light on the aspects of homelessness in three prairie cities.

The University of Winnipeg will receive $9,600 in National Homelessness Initiative funding to survey Aboriginal populations in Saskatoon and Regina as well as service providers in Regina to increase the level of knowledge and understanding of homelessness at the local and regional levels. Submission and sharing of reports will determine the extent to which rural-urban migration among Aboriginal people is associated with hidden homelessness, the characteristics comprising the cycle of homelessness and the ways in which it differs from other forms of homelessness, and the extent to which transitional housing service agencies are aware of the cyclical shelter needs of Aboriginal rural-urban migrants. It will also identify service gaps and indicate best practices and new approaches to meeting the housing needs of Aboriginal rural-urban migrants.

For more information on this project, please contact:
Jino Distasio, Acting Director, Institute of Urban Studies, University of Winnipeg
Tel.: 1 204 982-1147

The Salvation Army of Saskatoon Capacity Building — $3,000

The Salvation Army of Saskatoon operates a men's hostel and transitional housing facility in the city which offers short-and medium lodging and meals to men in crisis. Although the Salvation Army in Saskatoon enjoys an excellent reputation for helping in the community, it has no current information on the total size of the homeless population it serves and, other than compiling and reporting on information manually, it has no effective means of electronically collection and compiling data.

The Salvation Army of Saskatoon will receive National Homelessness Initiative funding of $3,000 to purchase a computer work station and to have a consultant set up and configure an automated Homeless Individuals and Families Information System data management system. The new system will enable the Salvation Army to improve its daily operations, assist with long-term planning, and as a result, to better serve the homeless population in the community. However, the new automated technology will also enable the sharing of data on homelessness with the National Homelessness Initiative, and will address knowledge gaps on the size and scope of the homeless population on a provincial and national basis.

For more information on this project, please contact:
Major Judy Regamey, Executive Director, the Salvation Army of Saskatoon
Tel. 1 306 242-6833