On World Homeless Day (October 10th), the Saskatoon Community Foundation has announced $1.2 million in funding over five years for three agencies – the Central Urban Metis Federation Inc., also known as CUMFI, YWCA Saskatoon, and Community Legal Assistance Services for Saskatoon Inncer City, or CLASSIC. Shirley Isbister, President of CUMFI, says the funding will allow them to support families with over 60 children in total to live in a welcoming home environment.

Both the YWCA’s and CUMFI will use their funding to support transitional housing, to help people move toward more permanent housing while developing life skills and job training.

CLASSIC will unite legal and community supports to help people navigate social and legal systems and to secure basic services such as financial support, food and short-term shelter.

The CUMFI and YWCA projects together will add 49 units, housing about 150 people and the CLASSIC program will provide support and advocacy to about 1,4000 people each year.

CEO of the Saskatoon Comunity Foundation, Carm Di Santo-Michalenko, says housing is a right and we need to stand together as a community to tear down homelessness and build up humanity. The funding comes from a legacy gift called the Robert Steane (Be A Bob) Fund to Alleviate Homelessness.

(pictured: Saskatoon Community Foundation CEO Carm Di Santo-Michalenko)