SASKATOON - The Federal government and the City of Saskatoon has announced a $7.6-million housing project that could benefit at least 36 families with new affordable homes through the Cities Stream, which is part of an expanded Rapid Housing Initiative.
The housing project aims to support locals who face uncertain housing situations, experience or at risk of being homeless, and those living in temporary shelters due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic caused an increase on the number homeless thus the need for affordable housing.
The program is part of the Minister of Families, Children, and Social Development and the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation. The housing project is apart from the Canadian Government’s initial investment of $17 million, RHI’s first phase under Projects Stream that funded 84 affordable houses for First Nations families in Saskatchewan.
RHI, with its $1-billion fund announced last year, has already built 4,700 affordable housing units in the entire country, surpassing its original target of 3,000. An additional of $1.5 billion for RHI was recently announced with the money expected to fund 4,500 permanent affordable housing units in the country therefore creating jobs in the construction sector.
The expanded housing initiative will be creating 9,200 affordable homes for the most vulnerable Canadians in the entire country. The strategy was created by the Federal government where plans of building hundreds of thousands of affordable housing units in the country with the goal of eliminating homelessness in the country.
FCSD Minister Ahmed Hussen said the RHI project would support those who need it most.
“Every Canadian deserves a safe and affordable place to call home … By quickly providing nearly 36 new homes for vulnerable individuals and families in Saskatoon to keep them safe. This is one of the ways our National Housing Strategy continues to ensure no one is left behind.”
Saskatoon Mayor Charlie Clark added that everyone deserves a home where they can feel safe.
“Today’s announcement of additional funding through the [RHI] will have a huge impact on our most vulnerable citizens. These new affordable homes will make a difference in addressing the increasing risk of homelessness.”
“Here in Saskatoon, the vity will be giving priority to Indigenous-led projects as we recognize the importance of providing housing and supports that is grounded in the culture and identity of the people needing help and healing. I would like to thank the federal government for their ongoing commitment to creating affordable housing for our most vulnerable individuals and families.”
The Federal government has continued to invest in affordable housing as it aims to build stronger communities and grow the middle class through job creation while also fighting homelessness and aiding vulnerable Canadians.
