A new housing partnership between the province and EGADZ will provide a safe place to live for 22 families in the near future.

On Friday, the Government of Saskatchewan and EGADZ announced the new Fusion 22 program. The Saskatchewan Housing Corporation will lease a government-owned 24-unit apartment building to EGADZ.

Those who are set to move into the building once renovations are complete are currently helping out with the repairs. EGADZ Executive Director, Don Meikle says the residents earn $15 dollars an hour while working on the units.

“That money goes into a savings account in their name and interest bearing account through Conexus and then so they can’t touch the money until they leave, and if they take care of their place, they can invest while they’re there.”

Minister Responsible for SHC, Paul Merriman says he was able to visit the apartment complex in Holiday Park last week and says the outside decks are about 3/4 complete and that the residents are starting to work on the inside.

Meikle says the units are for single moms, single dads and families who need some extra assistance.

Another component of the Fusion 22 program is the expansion of EGADZ’s Action to Employment program. The SHC will help EGADZ include a trades/training component which will provide participants with training, employment experience and wages.

Two of the units in the building will be used as office space to house support staff 16 hours of the day.

It’s expected the tenants will be able to move in within the next 2 months.