Joe Hargrave, left, Doug Kinar, Ben Hladun, Jerri Hitchings, and Greg Dionne (Michael Joel-Hansen/paNOW Staff)

By Michael Joel-Hansen

Accessible Housing

More housing available for people with mental health issues

May 10, 2019 | 2:23 PM

Prince Albert now has more housing available for those who have long term mental health issues.

Friday morning the ribbon was cut to officially open Joni’s Place, which has six independent living units for clients of the Canadian Mental Health Association’s (CMHA) P.A. branch.

Doug Kinar, executive director for the CMHA in P.A. said being able to add more units is a big deal for his organization.

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“This is our third apartment block. It’s 22 units in total [which] means 22 of our people are in brand new, beautiful, affordable housing,” he said.

The project was a joint effort involving the provincial and federal governments, the City of Prince Albert and the CMHA.

Kinar said the CMHA works with the Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) when it comes to deciding which people are eligible to be placed in facilities like Joni’s Place. In the bigger picture, facilities like the ones operated by CMHA in P.A. play a big role in helping to transition people with mental health challenges gradually to more independent living circumstances.

“We go from homeless, to people who own their own homes and on that progression this piece is very important,” Kinar said.

The executive director said people living in the units have access to a number of supports including nutritionists and people who can help with budgeting.

Delaynie Thompson, who has been a client of CMHA in P.A. said she was happy to see more units like the ones at Joni’s Place open up. She explained in some communities people dealing with mental health issues have an uphill battle and affordable housing is a leg up.

“It helps stabilize and end the stigma of mental illness throughout the community by giving people a chance,” she said.

The new housing block was named after Joni Hladun, a long time board member and volunteer for the CMHA in the city who has passed away. Kinar said naming the building after her is a fitting tribute due to her years of service to the cause of mental health.

“Joni’s dedication over the years has been phenomenal. She attended all of the board meetings, always had her input and was always very concerned about all of our clients,” he said.

When it came time to cut the ribbon to officially open the facility, the honour went to Ben Hladun, Joni’s widower. He said he was happy to see Joni honoured for her work, which she took on after retiring from working in home care.

“I am quite pleased they would recognize her. It caught me by surprise,” he said.

One of the new units at Joni’s Place (Michael Joel-Hansen/paNOW Staff)

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MichaelJoel.Hansen@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @mjhskcdn