As of today, Saskatoon has gained three new group homes thanks to a partnership between Elmwood Residences and the Saskatchewan Housing Corporation. Elmwood Residences caters to people with intellectual disabilities, who often face physical disabilities and mental health issues, as well.

Rachael Steinke, Executive Director of Elmwood Residences, says the homes have been in the works since October of 2021. She adds that the homes take a long time to develop because they are person-centered and designed around the individuals who will be living there.

“Our job really is to support the individuals that live in that home with all the aspects of daily living. We provide 24/7 support in the homes. It can include everything from meals, to helping them choose their clothes, to getting to appointments and day programs, to getting out in the community.”

This addition brings the total number of Elmwood homes across the city to 15. Each home will provide 24/7 support to four people with intellectual disabilities.

“These roommate groupings were done in partnership with the residents that live here. (We asked them) ‘who do you want to live with? What do you like to do? What are your core interests together?'”

She adds that there is a long waitlist of individuals who are seeking this type of support, so the addition of these three homes was desperately needed.

“They are very much needed, and they will create capacity in community, but there is a need for more, as well.”

To support community inclusion, Steinke says the homes are sprawled out across the city in the communities of Greystone Heights, Stonebridge and Lakeridge.

The provincial government has announced that another two Elmwood group homes will be constructed in Saskatoon later this year to accommodate the remaining eight residents of Kinsmen Manor.