Pocket housing title transferred from city to operators

The eight-unit transitional housing at 1322-103rd Street is being hailed for its effectiveness in breaking the cycle of homelessness in the Battlefords.

So much so, in fact, that North Battleford Transitional Living Initiative, Inc., who operated the facility over the last three years, now feel they can take on the full title for it.

At council Monday night, a resolution was carried unanimously to that effect. The title for the property and building is being transferred to NBTLI from the City of North Battleford, which has held it up to now.

In speaking to reporters afterwards, Mayor Ryan Bater indicated this was something the city was happy to do.

“It’s a remarkable success story,” said Bater. “The request from that group was that they felt they matured to the point and were in a good position to accept title to the property.”

At Monday night’s meeting, Sheldon Gattinger, president of NBTLI, was eager to share what he called the “good news” story of the organization.

They had spearheaded the applications for three levels of funding in 2013 for the pocket housing, which was to assist those who were homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. The idea was for “transitional” housing, which would enable and support residents to transition into stable independent housing later on.

In most cases, the clients are in the process of leaving high-risk or addictions situations, and are looking to improve their lives through such things as addictions counseling or further education or skills training, among others. 

The funding ultimately came through, and the project was completed and opened in October, 2014.

During the last three years NBTLI has held operational authority for the pocket housing facility. NBTLI is governed by a nine-person board and daily running of the eight-unit facility is done by a full-time housing coordinator, whose responsibility includes such things as working with the clientele and making sure they are on track with their transitional living plan.

The organization has also built various relationships with other agencies in the community such as The Lighthouse, Social Services, Prairie North Health addictions counselling, and others.

Gattinger pointed to how effective their initiatives have been.

“We have moved over 20 people from homelessness into … structured, stable, independent living, in this community or other communities within the province or western Canada,” said Gattinger.

He acknowledged it has been a steep learning curve for the organization. But Gattinger indicated things have progressed to the point where the board feels they can take on the entire responsibility for the pocket housing, and that was behind the request to take over title to the property.

“We feel we have come to the point where maybe we can … take on this project on our own,” said Gattinger.

As for the future, the question came up as to whether NBTLI might want to expand beyond the current eight units, which Gattinger indicated has a waiting list of over 100 people.

Councillor Kent Lindgren asked whether the organization was in a position to be able to build another housing unit. Gattinger indicated that was something they were interested in.

“We are at a position as a board, I believe, with the board that we have, to build another unit,” said Gattinger.

But he also said it would be difficult, pointing to the effort that went into getting the first facility built.

“We’re optimistic, and we’re hopeful, but there isn’t anything concrete, that’s for sure.” 

In speaking to reporters, Mayor Bater was encouraging of NBTLI’s efforts in the city.

“We know we have housing challenges in North Battleford and this is a force for good to address them.”     

As for the talk about adding another facility, the mayor was supportive of the idea. But “it’s really up to them,” Bater said.

“What I’ve seen over the years and especially saw tonight is an organization that’s very responsible about doing things one step at a time.”