PARTNERSHIP HELPS PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES

Released on April 15, 2005

People with disabilities will have access to shelter, affordable housing and support, thanks to a partnership involving three levels of government and the community.

The Moose Jaw Non Profit Housing Corporation will receive $1.5 million to construct a 16-unit apartment building and a community service centre that will provide emergency shelter, safe supported shelter, affordable housing and a range of support services to adults who experience severe and persistent mental illness.

"This investment from the Government of Canada will enable the Moose Jaw Non Profit Housing Corporation to continue providing the essential programs and services to people who need them most," said the Honourable Ralph Goodale, Minister of Finance, on behalf of Joe Fontana, Minister of Labour and Housing. "We are committed to helping local organizations develop housing and homelessness solutions that meet the needs of their community."

"The project supports the goals of our HomeFirst strategy by helping people with disabilities to live as independently as possible," Community Resources and Employment Minister and Minister responsible for the Office of Disabilities Joanne Crofford said. "As part of the strategy our government will create 2,000 new affordable housing units through the Centenary Affordable Housing Program by 2008."

"The City of Moose Jaw is very pleased to have the opportunity to participate as a partner to provide housing of this quality," Moose Jaw Mayor Al Schwinghamer said. "We realize there is a requirement in the community to accommodate the needs of all sectors of our population. Congratulations to the Moose Jaw Non Profit Housing Corporation for its role in providing affordable housing units of this quality."

"This project provides much needed safe and affordable housing for people with a disability in our community," Moose Jaw Non Profit Housing Corporation Chair Brenda Walper-Bossence said. "The inclusion of a community services centre means the project's benefits will extend far beyond the walls of the new building."

The Government of Canada is contributing $541,725 from the National Homelessness Initiative (NHI) and $440,000 from the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC). The project is also receiving $352,000 from the Saskatchewan Housing Corporation (SHC), $170,066 from the Moose Jaw Non Profit Housing Corporation, $100,000 from the Thunder Creek Rehabilitation Association, and $88,000 from the City of Moose Jaw.

The NHI contribution will be used to construct four transitional units and the community service centre, which will provide assessment, treatment and rehabilitation services that support progress toward independent living. The CMHC, SHC and municipal contributions will be used to help construct 12 one-bedroom affordable units.

This project is part of the Centenary Affordable Housing Program (CAHP), an intergovernmental initiative to increase the supply of affordable off-reserve housing in Saskatchewan. The CMHC, SHC and local municipalities are funding the program.

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For More Information, Contact:

Jason Cobb Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation Calgary Phone: (306)515-2903	Peter Graham Minister Fontana's Office Ottawa Phone: (819)953-5646
Herman Hulshof Community Resources and Employment Regina Phone: (306)787-0916	Garry McKay City of Moose Jaw Moose Jaw Phone: (306)694-4427
Brenda Walper-Bossence Moose Jaw Non-profit Housing Corporation Moose Jaw Phone: (306)693-7288