Affordable housing units target homelessness
In hearing the phrase “a roof over your head,” most people likely imagine a few things beneath that roof.
A kitchen table. A television, maybe. At the very least, a bed.
However, not everyone takes those items for granted. To some, a roof means a roof and anything more is a luxury.
That’s why Sheila Wignes-Paton of Regina’s Phoenix Residential Society says it’s “very significant” that 45 new affordable housing units in a building at 1914 Halifax St. will be furnished.
Further, each 32.5-square-metre suite is expected to have internet access — another noteworthy addition, according to the non-profit’s manager of mental health.
“Given the day and age, even people that are on limited incomes, most people want to have access to the internet,” she said.
While the housing complex is not entirely completed, it was officially opened on Thursday, in a ceremony attended by dignitaries from the municipal, provincial and federal governments, all of whom contributed funds toward the project.
Among them was the city ’s mayor. “It’s a building block of support for those who are hard to house, that are in some cases maybe just on the cusp of being homeless,” Michael Fougere said.
The mayor has been an advocate for an overall strategy to end homelessness in the city.
“This is part of a whole support system for those who are really vulnerable in our city, so that’s why I’m so proud to be a part of this.”
The units will expand the capacity for the city to take a housingfirst approach to bringing homelessness to a functional zero.
MP Ralph Goodale added that research shows affordable housing can help with issues of crime, addictions and family dysfunction.
“The solutions all start with a proper, decent place to live,” said the veteran politician.
Phoenix Residential Society anticipates populating space in the complex with some of its clients.
Wignes-Paton said the non-profit was thrilled to see the project come together.
“Many of our residents that we work with do have trouble finding long-term affordable housing.”
Further, the building ’s proximity to other services frequently accessed by Phoenix clients makes the location attractive when paired with affordability.
“They’re going to have a safe place that can be their home for as long as they want it to be.”
Halifax Holdings West helped to develop the complex and the company’s president Stephen Onda says construction of a similar project may be on the horizon.