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Two new projects aimed at helping homelessness are starting in Saskatoon thanks to funds from one generous man’s legacy.
The announcement was made on Thursday by the Saskatoon Community Foundation that $195,000 will be given to the Elizabeth Fry Society of Saskatchewan and $400,000 to The Salvation Army Crossroads Residential Services. All of this was made possible by an estate that was left behind by a man named Robert Steane.
Steane, the former COO of Cameco passed away in 2019. He left $10 million of his estate to the Saskatoon Community Foundation, the Royal University Hospital Foundation, and the St. Paul’s Hospital Foundation.
“Bob wanted to make a lasting and measurable impact to alleviate the challenges of those experiencing homelessness,” said Wanda Hunchak, chair of the Saskatoon Community Foundation.
“We hope his gift will inspire others to ‘be a Bob’ which has become our legacy,” she said.
Wanda Hunchak, chair of the Saskatoon Community foundation announces generous donation for two organizations made possible through the donation of the late Robert Steane. (Mia Holowaychuk/650 CKOM)
The Elizabeth Fry Society of Saskatchewan will use the funds for a housing manager to support women who have been criminalized and their children to have housing and rebuild stability towards a future.
Nicole Obrigavitch, executive director of the organization, said this is part of the transitional housing program a critical resource for women as they navigate recovery.
The program offers a safe, stable, and supportive environment that will enable participants to access services tailored to their needs.
Obrigavitch said hiring a housing manager plays a vital role in ensuring women will receive the guidance and resources on their journey to “wellness, empowerment, and staying out of institutional settings.”
She said the transitional housing program is set to begin on Nov. 1.
Funding for the Salvation Army Crossroads Residential Services will go towards a program manager for the housing continuum program over a five-year span.
Roger Yenkins, director of housing services for the Salvation Army Crossroads, said the role will be to design, build, and implement an effective and secure supportive housing framework.
Yenkins said this initiative involves the development of transitional living programs that aim to assist community members experiencing housing insecurity.
He explained the program began in 2023, as a response to community needs with the goal of helping individuals and families to have housing security through mobile case-management support, which includes counseling and access to spiritual and cultural support.
“This grant will enable us to work towards longer-term stability for the housing continuum program,” he said.
Overcapacity at Salvation Army ahead of winter
Yenkins said the Salvation Army Crossroads has been at overcapacity, and it’s the first time he’s seen those numbers throughout the summer.
More visitors turn to the Salvation Army when the temperature drops, he explained, adding they often add more beds to try and accommodate.
He said currently they have 75 beds at its location on Avenue C, but in the last two winters, they’ve added an additional 10 beds.
“There’s definitely a huge need for more support — especially emergency shelter beds,” he said.
To prepare for winter, Yenkins said the organization is using its outreach programs to connect with those in the community who have housing but need additional support. Caseworkers are helping individuals find appropriate housing options for clients.
He said currently the Salvation Army is looking for a place to put a warming shelter for the winter months. Last year’s shelter was at St. Mary’ Parish in Pleasant Hill.
