Released on April 11, 2014
The Government of Saskatchewan is providing funding to support two initiatives by The Lighthouse Supported Living Inc. (Lighthouse) in Saskatoon. Lighthouse will be renovating existing supported living units, as well as developing an innovative shelter designed for homeless residents in the city.
Lighthouse operates the Dubé Lighthouse facility, which houses supported living units for some of the most vulnerable citizens in the community, including the working poor, people with physical or intellectual disabilities, and people with addictions. Part of the funding will be used to renovate 59 of these existing units that provide housing to close to 70 individuals.
The other part of the funding will be used to support an innovative emergency shelter and wellness centre. This shelter will provide an alternative shelter option for individuals not able to access other shelter services because they are intoxicated.
“We are pleased to work with the Lighthouse to ensure vulnerable individuals are safe,” Social Services Minister and Minister responsible for Saskatchewan Housing Corporation June Draude said. “We believe this shelter will take pressure off of existing detox facilities, hospitals and police cells, while keeping people safe, especially in our brutally cold winters. Our government is pleased to support Lighthouse in these two initiatives.”
The province will provide a one-time capital investment of $1.5 million to support the renovation of the units at the Dubé Lighthouse, and the development of the emergency shelter and wellness centre. Funding is being provided by the Ministry of Health ($1 million), the Ministry of Corrections and Policing ($250,000), and the Ministry of Social Services’ Saskatchewan Housing Corporation ($250,000).
“We want to ensure that individuals with mental health and addictions issues have a safe place to stay,” Health Minister Dustin Duncan said. “This investment is very important for our most vulnerable citizens and their families.”
“We are excited to renovate our supported living units and to develop the emergency shelter spaces and wellness centre,” Lighthouse Executive Director Don Windels said. “We look forward to providing immediate overnight shelter to those who may not be able to access existing shelter services, including those who are intoxicated.”
Admission to the shelter will be denied to highly intoxicated and/or violent individuals who may pose a threat to themselves or others. In those cases, the police will be called.
“These initiatives complement government’s Plan for Growth commitment to provide all Saskatchewan residents with safe, reliable housing options,” Draude said. “And by partnering with our community-based organizations across the province, like Lighthouse, we are reaching our goals.”
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For more information, contact:
Tara Gereaux
Social Services
Regina
Phone: 306-787-3610
Email:
tara.gereaux@gov.sk.ca