ADDICTS NOW HAVE A PLACE THEY CAN CALL HOME

Addicts struggling to overcome their addictions will have one less
worry this fall -- they will have a place they can call home.

Red Ribbon Place, which will begin accepting tenants on Oct. 1, is
the brainchild of All Nations Hope AIDS Network and AIDS Programs
South Saskatchewan.

"It was a dream of both organizations for about the last four years,"
said Margaret Akan, executive director of All Nations Hope AIDS Network.

Working in partnership the two AIDS agencies tapped into funding from
the federal government's National Homelessness Initiative and monies
from the Saskatchewan Housing Corporation to build a 12-unit
transitional housing complex for at-risk individuals who are homeless
and struggling with a myriad of issues, such as fleeing a violent or
abusive relationship, dealing with drug and alcohol addictions and/or
mental health issues, or living with HIV-AIDS or hepatitis C.

"We are looking at providing safe, stable, affording housing to
people at risk," Akan said.

The housing units will open Oct. 1, but all 12 suites are already
spoken for and there is a waiting list.

Red Ribbon Place offers more than just affordable housing.

It will offer educational and support services and programs through
existing programs offered by the two community-based agencies, which
will be relocating mid-September to new office space within the
building located at 2735 5th Ave.

"We will be offering programs for youth, programs for aboriginal
people living with HIV/AIDS, lifeskills for people at risk and a
needle exchange program," Akan said.

"So it is quite exciting for both our organizations to be able to
have a new home and a place to call our own where we can provide the
services and programs that we believe are making a difference in our
community."

All the units -- 10 bachelor apartments, a one-bedroom and a
two-bedroom suite -- are furnished and rent will be based on income
whether the person is on social assistance or working.

"What we are trying to do is remove any barriers for individuals to
access housing. We have an application process in place for the
tenants, but are looking at needs more than landlord references. It
is important for us not to create any barriers for at-risk
individuals to have adequate housing," Akan said.

"Many of these people drift in and out of the system and end up
homeless and couch surfing."

Many times these individuals end up in hospital or the provincial
jails and when they are released they have nowhere to go.

"When you look at the determinants of health having access to safe,
affordable, adequate housing is very important," Akan added.

It is transitional house, she said, explaining the average stay will
likely be for a year. However, that is dependent on the individual's
needs, Akan said, explaining All Nations Hope will help tenants find
permanent housing once they have been able to stabilize their
situation in the community.

"We want to ensure these individuals have a home; a place they can
call their own," she said.