The Lighthouse in Saskatoon received a boost from the provincial government Friday.
The government announced it would be providing $1.5 million for the supported living centre to renovate its existing living units and to develop an emergency shelter.
The Dubé Lighthouse facility, which is operated as part of the Lighthouse, provides housing to the working poor, people with physical or intellectual disabilities, and people with addictions.
A portion of the province’s funding will be used to renovate 59 units that house close to 70 individuals. The remainder will be used to build an emergency shelter and wellness centre for intoxicated individuals.
“When we hear stories of people showing up in the emergency room 100 or 150 times in one calendar year, obviously we need to provide a different type of support,” said Saskatchewan Health Minister Dustin Duncan.
The shelter will include a stabilization unit, classrooms for art and music, and a gym.
“We believe this shelter will take pressure off of existing detox facilities, hospitals and police cells, while keeping people safe, especially in our brutally cold winters,” said Social Services Minister June Draude.
Highly intoxicated or violent individuals who pose a threat to themselves or others will be denied entrance to the shelter. Police will be called in those cases.
The Ministry of Health is providing $1 million of the $1.5 million while the Ministry of Corrections and Policing and the Ministry of Social Services are providing $250,000 each.
