Released on January 22, 2015
More people in need will have access to housing due to a decision to transition the Affordable Housing Program into the Social Housing Program in Saskatchewan’s largest centers.
“It is our intent to ensure that Saskatchewan people with the greatest housing need, such as persons with disabilities and families with low-incomes, have better access to safe, quality housing,” Social Services Minister and Minister responsible for the Saskatchewan Housing Corporation Donna Harpauer said. “At the same time, we also need to ensure that our government housing remains truly affordable for those who live in it, and that is why this transition is so important.”
“It makes sense to have one housing program that makes it easier and more affordable for households in need,” Saskatchewan Housing Corporation Board Chair Keith Hanson said. “This transition will result in significant reductions in monthly rents for hundreds of Saskatchewan seniors, families and individuals and will convert 2,700 housing units for people who need them the most.”
Beginning March 1, 2015, anyone who applies for government-owned rental housing in urban centres will only be eligible for the Social Housing Rental Program, where rent is based on 30 per cent of income.
Existing Affordable Housing tenants will have the opportunity to transition to the Social Housing Program. Many existing tenants should benefit from a rent decrease immediately, based on their income. Tenants who remain in the Affordable Housing Program will pay a lower market rent, but these rents will increase over time.
“This transition will reduce, or have no change, on the rent of almost 1,300 low-income households, putting more money in their pocket and ensuring that more vulnerable people have access to social housing,” Harpauer said.
For further details on the transition and the communities where the Affordable Housing Program is transitioning, please contact the Saskatchewan Housing Corporation toll-free at 1-800-667-7567.
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For more information, contact:
Leya Moore
Social Services
Regina
Phone: 306-787-3610
Email: leya.moore@gov.sk.ca