Regina’s first Rapid Housing Initiative project was officially opened at a ribbon-cutting ceremony late last week.

The misatimosimôwin mîhkowâp (Horse Dance Lodge) is a 29-unit permanent supportive housing facility for individuals and families experiencing homelessness and housing insecurity in Regina.

The project broke ground in September last year with collaborations from the Silver Sage Housing Corporation, the City of Regina, Regina Treaty Status Indian Services, and the provincial and federal governments.

“Silver Sage is grateful to have been selected by the City of Regina to lead the development,” said Natoshia Bastien, Silver Sage’s President and CEO. “We are pleased with the results and excited to turn the building over to RT/SIS, who will be supporting tenants in the facility.”

The Horse Dance Lodge was made possible through the $7.7 million in funding from the Rapid Housing Initiative (RHI), part of the Federal Government’s National Housing Strategy.

Additionally, the Saskatchewan Housing Corporation provided $783,000 through the Saskatchewan Co-Investment Program, designed to support the construction of new affordable rental housing in the province.

“This housing is an important step towards achieving our goals to improve access to safe and stable housing to support those in greatest housing need,” said Saskatchewan Minister of Social Services and Minister Responsible for Saskatchewan Housing Corporation Gene Makowsky.

The City of Regina contributed $575,000 in funding through the Permanent Supportive Housing Grant and $615,000 through the Housing Incentive Program.

Mayor Sandra Masters said the lodge shows what can happen when different levels of government collaborate.

“Horse Dance Lodge demonstrates what we can achieve when levels of government, industry and community partners come together to create a secure environment where individuals and families can build their lives.”

With the facility now open, RT/SIS will provide tailored programming and wraparound support for the residents.