A member of the EGADZ youth advisory team expressed deep appreciation for the adult support behind the organization's housing program, stating that more homes for youth lead to a safer community.
Emotional Impact of Youth Housing
Izzabella Ross, 16, a member of the EGADZ youth advisory team, said on Friday that seeing adults dedicate their time to building homes for youth is profoundly meaningful. “It means so much to me how a bunch of these adults are putting all their time into helping us get these homes for the youth,” she said. “We are seeing them build and pop up so fast. It’s amazing to see that because with more homes, more youth are off the street. With more youth off the street, we have a safer community.”
New Group Homes Unveiled
Two new group homes focusing on mental health and addictions recovery were unveiled last week in Saskatoon. Operated by EGADZ, a long-standing local non-profit, the Retreat Home program provides 24-hour care and cultural support for young people. With the addition of these two homes, the program has expanded from five to 10 spaces, creating 10 additional beds for youth aged 12 to 16.
Community and Government Support
EGADZ executive director Don Meikle spoke alongside dozens of youth advisory members in front of the new homes. “They want a better life,” Meikle said. “If we just keep putting band-aids on it, we’re just going to keep talking about it year after year. We have to try and stop this cycle of homelessness.” EGADZ offers youth-directed programs and housing for at-risk kids and young adults aged 12 to 23. The youth advisory team, composed of some group home residents, advocates for their needs and helps design program operations.
The provincial government contributes $1.4 million annually to fund the Retreat Home program, while the federal government invested $438,537 in the project.
Personal Stories of Transformation
Ross noted that the group homes provide character-building opportunities for teens like her. She believes she would likely be in a foster home without this support. “It’s wonderful. I love it. It’s done so much to help me,” she said. “It’s got me into wrestling more. I wrestle for my team at school. I’ve been able to have friends and go out and do things for people, and not worry about going home to bad things.”
Wally and Colleen Mah, owners and founders of North Ridge Development Corporation, designed and invested in the new homes. Ross expressed a desire for more such homes, recalling a “rough patch” in 2024 when some group homes closed due to funding and staffing shortages.
Mayor’s Perspective
Saskatoon Mayor Cynthia Block emphasized the broader benefits of preventing homelessness. “Anything that we can do to prevent homelessness, or to otherwise make sure that they get housed as quickly as possible, improves not only their long term outcome, which is the primary purpose, but also improves it for everyone else,” Block said. Noting a spike in drug overdoses in the city, she described these youth homes as “something that works in the community.”
