A new housing complex in Holiday Park aims to make a difference for young people looking to gain their independence. Dignitaries from EGADZ and the Ministry of Social Services gathered at FUSION Plus, a housing initiative previously announced in May. On Wednesday, tours were given to show the progress and important role young people are having on the site. “I really like working here gives me the opportunity to provide, for my kids,” youth team member Gavin Lacendre said. “And it’s giving me the opportunity to plan my future better.” This partnership betweenEGADZ and the province will not only house up to 40 people aged 16 to 21 who were previously or are currently under the province’s care but has also involved them every step of the way. With the help of the Youth Advisory Team, young people have helped implement design, programming, and other details included in the building. Part of that work has also included tearing down and renovating the suites. “For young people to have that stability, to have that support, to be able to further their education, get into the workplace, learn life skills that are going to help them for a lifetime,” Social Services Minister Terry Jenson said. Once completed later this year, FUSION Plus will have addiction supports available five days a week. It will also have education supports, employment readiness programming and wellness services. EGADZ executive director Don Meikle said without a path forward, Saskatoon’s homelessness crisis will only get worse with more children having nowhere to turn. “Because in my experience of doing this, if kids don’t have hope, opportunity to earn an income, it’s really hard to get out of homelessness and it’s really hard to change your life,” he said. FUSION Plus is being developed through a partnership involving EGADZ, the ministries of Social Services, Health and Immigration and Career Training, Foundations Learning, Saskatoon Housing Initiatives Partnership (SHIP) and other community partners.
