Efforts towards building a new eight-unit independent housing project for persons living with mental illness are moving ahead in North Battleford.
The Canadian Mental Health Association - Battlefords Branch is looking to build two four-unit one-bedroom apartment buildings, to be located at 1922 Kramer Place in North Battleford. A common meeting area would be located at the back, and the common space would also provide capacity as emergency transitional housing as needed.
The units would be supported independent living for those with mental illness.
City council has thrown its support behind the project Monday, by voting to donate the land at that location for the project.
The next step will be for CMHA Battlefords to submit a complete application under the Rental Development Program for Independent Living. The Saskatchewan Housing Corporation had already given them the green light to submit this application, identifying the project as a priority.
SHC would provide funding to pay for 70 per cent of the funding. CMHA would secure the rest by a mortgage. Rent from tenants would cover the operating costs.
At council Monday, Jane Zielke de Montbrun, executive director CMHA - Battlefords, outlined the need for the project. The project will “address the needs of ‘hard to house’ individuals in the Battlefords,” she said.
She noted community mental health nurses had identified 47 clients who could benefit from the housing project in the city.
Funding has been secured for a housing support worker who will spend two and a half hours a week on average with each tenant, providing regular contact. Peer support and CMHA program participation will also be required of tenants as part of a wellness plan.
In conjunction with City Planner Ryan Mackrell, Kramer Place was identified as a good location for the project. Zielke de Montbrun pointed to a pleasant neighbourhood with easy access to transit and walking trails.
“We have considered safety, transportation and creating a sense of community, important considerations for those living with persistent mental health problems,” she added.
A similar project had already launched in Prince Albert and the “success was pretty amazing,” said Zielke de Montbrun. The executive director there had said that in five years, only one person had to be evicted from the first unit, and they are now into their fourth build of supportive housing.
“It’s really exciting to have this opportunity. It’s a not a for-sure that we’re going to get it,” said Zielke de Montbrun. She pointed to the potential benefits.
“If we did, it just creates a new type of housing for people to potentially live really well with their illness with some support. Don’t we all want to live on our own, as opposed to being in a group home or being at Saskatchewan Hospital or being in an approved home?” she said. “This is an opportunity to start this type of housing.”
The vote by council to donate the land for the project to CMHA - Battlefords Branch was carried unanimously.
