A new transitional housing complex in Prince Albert held its official grand opening this afternoon.
Whisper Way is a complex for Aboriginal people who are homeless and is geared toward those with acquired brain injuries or mental illness issues. The complex was made available through $2.1 million in funding from the federal government’s Homelessness Partnering Strategy.
“Our Government is proud to support PA Community Housing Society and all the work they do here in Prince Albert,” says Randy Hoback, Member of Parliament for Prince Albert. “Our goal for individuals coming out of homelessness is for them to thrive and secure employment so they can contribute their skills and talents to our communities.”
Whisper Way was initially proposed in 2012, and thanks to the funding, accepted its first tenant in March 2014. The 10-unit facility was full two months later.
“We can see the need out there,” says Linda Boyer, general manager of the PA Community Housing Society. “We saw the need for affordable rental units, especially for persons with acquired brain injuries. With HPS funding, we were able to build Whisper Way, which we believe is the first of its kind in Saskatchewan.”
Whisper Way also has programming available on-site for those struggling with their brain injuries.
Boyer speaks of her own personal reasons for wanting to see a complex focusing on helping those with brain injuries.
“I saw firsthand what my granddaughter went through when she had her quading accident. It took her a long time to recover, but today she is fully recovered, which I am thankful for,” says Boyer.
She says there is a five-person waiting list for the facility. She also says she has spoken with other communities who have expressed interest in building a similar complex.