Agencies Announce Funding Directed to Homelessness
Saskatoon, October 10, 2023, World Homeless Day – Saskatoon Community Foundation is honoured to announce over $1.2 million to support three agencies over five years whose programs will have a lasting impact on many lives. This funding is made possible through a legacy gift: the Robert Steane Fund to Alleviate Homelessness. (Be a Bob)
People experiencing homelessness face complex challenges and system barriers. Each project addresses a distinct and vital aspect of these challenges. The Be a Bob funding targets human services delivering outcomes that alleviate homelessness.
Central Urban Métis Federation Inc. (CUMFI): The Transitional Housing Manager position supports families’ learning to improve physical, emotional, and mental health, help manage social interactions, mediate issues, and advocate for education and employment services.
This role is part of CUMFI’s Community Homes, which creates a connected neighbourhood in a very challenged area, Pleasant Hill.
“We would like to thank the Steane Family for supporting our goals of reducing homelessness. CUMFI works towards a better quality of life for all Indigenous people. This grant for our Community Homes will allow us to support families inclusive of over 60 children to live in a welcoming home environment,” says Shirley Isbister, President, CUMFI.
The Transitional Housing Manager for YWCA Saskatoon will support women to maintain transitional housing successfully. This role will aid families in moving toward more permanent housing while developing life skills, job training and stability necessary for success while they heal.
This role is part of YWCA Saskatoon’s new Transitional Housing project which will add 35 units with 71 beds, and for the first time, will be able to serve women with multiple children.
“We are very grateful to Saskatoon Community Foundation and the Robert Steane Fund to Alleviate Homelessness for recognizing the vital role transitional housing plays in empowering women and their families. YWCA Saskatoon is now in the construction phase of adding 35 units to our transitional housing. This funding will play a vital role in hiring a Transitional Housing Manager and creating a work plan to equip women with the skills and resources needed to foster long-term stability, health and independence,” states Cara Bahr, CEO, YWCA Saskatoon.
Community Legal Assistance Services for Saskatoon Inner City Inc. (CLASSIC) offers an innovative, preventive approach. Its Interdisciplinary Approach to Housing – Community and Legal Supports project unites legal and community supports to help people navigate social and legal systems and secure basic services such as financial support, food and short-term shelter. The project will prevent unnecessary evictions, help resolve issues before housing is lost, and ensure systems treat vulnerable people justly.
“At CLASSIC, we believe in a holistic approach to tackle housing challenges. By pairing a dedicated Community Support Worker with our legal team, we’re providing client-centred services that can better respond to complex social barriers,” says Chantelle Johnson, Executive Director, CLASSIC.
The CUMFI and YWCA projects combined add 49 units for the community, housing about 150 people. Government programs and private partners are supporting their capital financing.
The CLASSIC program provides support and advocacy to approximately 1,400 people each year, totalling over 6,000 cases during the five-year project. This will include preventing approximately 73 evictions, helping over 200 people explore alternative housing options, and advocating for 250 income assistance solutions.
In the spirit of Bob Steane’s legacy, Saskatoon Community Foundation is calling on Saskatoon to “Be a Bob!” The new Give YXE Homelessness Fund is open; donations will be directed to support frontline community partners.
“While homelessness is complex, solutions are within our reach. Housing is a human right. We need to stand together as a community to tear down homelessness and build up humanity. We recognize the Foundation has a vital role in creatinga vibrant community where everyone belongs. A higher level and scale of coordinated response involving governments, community organizations, private sector and charitable people is vital. And today we urge all to join us in adding resources, tools, and hearts to this effort,” comments Carm Di Santo-Michalenko, Chief Executive Officer, Saskatoon Community Foundation.
For more information about Saskatoon Community Foundation, visit the website.
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Contact:
Carm Di Santo-Michalenko, Chief Executive Officer
Saskatoon Community Foundation
Phone: 306-665-1768
Email: ceo@saskatooncommunityfoundation.ca
Don Ewles, Grants Manager
Saskatoon Community Foundation
Phone: 306-665-1767
Email: grants@saskatooncommunityfoundation.ca
About Robert Steane:
Visit BeABob.ca to read more about Robert Steane’s lifetime of volunteering and donating to charitable causes. Bob’s gift in excess of $10 million addresses homelessness, promotes the arts, accelerates trauma care, advances mental health and medical imaging, and supports end-of-life hospice care. Bob’s final transformational gift through his estate was entrusted with Saskatoon Community Foundation, Royal University Hospital Foundation, and St. Paul’s Hospital Foundation to improve the lives of his neighbours and community.
About Saskatoon Community Foundation:
Saskatoon Community Foundation inspires philanthropy, builds community, and leads change in Saskatoon. The foundation stewards $66.6 million in endowed and non-endowed funds and manages $22.7 million in funds for other charitable organizations, ensuring a reliable stream of grant funding flows into the community forever. The foundation has worked and served on Treaty 6 Territory and the Homeland of the Métis since 1970. It has disbursed over $59 million in grants for the community, supporting over 280 charities and representing over 350 fundholders. Beyond charitable sector expertise, the foundation’s professional staff team brings a passion for actively supporting positive change in our community for quality of life, youth, equity, inclusion, and reconciliation. Follow Saskatoon Community Foundation on Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, and Twitter or visit our website at saskatooncommunityfoundation.ca