Three new group homes for people with intellectual disabilities are opening in Saskatoon, which will house former residents of Kinsmen Manor.
twelve inhabitants Kinsmen Manor have already transitioned to community-based living Elmwood ResidenceAccording to a release from the province.
Mary Holba moves into one of the new homes in Stonebridge on Tuesday.
“It’s really nice,” she said. “I can sit outside and do whatever I want.”
Social Services Minister Jean Makowski said the transition from Kinsmen Manor to the new buildings moves from a more institutional model to a more community-based model.
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“We’re working hard to make units available through the Saskatchewan Housing Corporation and bring new units online, as well as through the income-support side,” he said.
The government pledged $7.6 million from the 2024-25 provincial budget to build 10 new group homes in the province and an assessment and stabilization home to support adults with intellectual disabilities.
The remaining eight residents of Kinsmen Manor will live in two Elmwood Group homes whose construction will begin as part of the budget announcement.
“The work is underway and within this budget,” Makowski said. “They are in a very early stage so it will take some time. You need a lot, some planning and of course construction.”
Rachel Steinke, executive director of Elmwood Residences, said the new homes are a much better fit than Kinsmen Manor.
“In 1969, Kinsman Manor was a great alternative to Valley View Center and was the first alternative to an institutional setting.”
He said the new homes would provide even more person-centred care spaces for smaller groups of people.
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