New apartments will combat homelessness in Saskatoon, officials say

New housing projects in Saskatoon are expected to ease homelessness in the city, according to an announcement issued Friday from a variety of agencies.

Money for the projects, organized by the Saskatoon Housing Initiatives Partnerships, was provided by a number of sources, including the federal, provincial and municipal governments, and the Saskatoon Tribal Council.

One of the projects includes a 12-unit apartment that will be used to provide short-term housing for Aboriginal people who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless.

"It's not just a bandage," Marc Arcand, vice chief of the Saskatoon Tribal Council, said in a news release. "It includes working with the individuals to move ahead and find permanent housing."

The announcement noted the high cost of living in Saskatoon and said a transitional step will help people who wouldn't have anywhere else to go.

It will provide them a secure place to live plus allows them to develop rent references and build credit for a permanent home.

• Here is a link to the full announcement