The federal government has announced a five-year funding partnership with the City of Prince Albert to fight homelessness in the community.
Nearly $300,000 will be invested into local housing initiatives like the YWCA and the PA Community Housing Society.
One project that will benefit from the funding is the Housing First program, a project new to the city.
“The philosophy behind Housing First is to take people where they are regardless of their situation and then work them into housing and provide supports for them,” said Housing First Prince Albert manager Dave Hobden. “The old way would require people to work on their addictions and issues before they were given a home, but it is so difficult to work on your addictions and your mental health without a home.”
Hobden says the plan is to find homes for 25 of the most at-risk homeless people in the city.
“We have always believed if we meet people’s needs the funding will be made available,” said Hobden. “It is a good program and I know we can do more for the people of Prince Albert.”
The announcement was made Friday afternoon at Prince Albert City Hall.
Member of Parliament Randy Hoback, Donna Brooks of the YWCA and several other dignitaries were on hand for the announcement.