New transitional housing opens doors for support, safety and stability

The City of Saskatoon, in collaboration with the governments of Canada and Saskatchewan, Indigenous Services Canada (ISC), and the National Indigenous Collaborative Housing Incorporated (NICHI), is proud to announce the official opening of Aggie’s and Shirley’s House, a transformative new transitional housing development designed to provide safe, culturally appropriate support for Indigenous women, children and 2SLGBTQI+ individuals fleeing domestic violence.

Located in the Kensington neighbourhood, this thoughtfully designed development will be operated by Central Urban Métis Federation Inc. (CUMFI) and features two distinct wings with a total of 20 fully furnished units:

• Aggie’s House will operate as short term housing, offering immediate refuge, wraparound supports and access to meals through a shared kitchen.
• Shirley’s House will provide longer-term transitional housing where residents will have private kitchens, purchase their own groceries and pay rent as they prepare to reintegrate into the broader community.

This vital project was made possible through the generous contributions of multiple funding partners, including:

• $7.6 million from Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation
• A subsidy from Indigenous Services Canada
• $540,000 from Saskatchewan Housing Corporation
• $540,000 from the City of Saskatoon, along with a permit rebate and a five-year incremental abatement
• $1.4 million from the National Indigenous Collaborative Housing Incorporated

In addition to safe and stable housing, residents will have access to trauma-informed counselling and therapeutic supports provided by Elders, responding to a growing need for culturally grounded healing services in Saskatoon.

Aggie’s and Shirley’s House represents a significant step forward in addressing the urgent need for transitional housing and healing spaces for those in the Indigenous community. This project embodies a unified commitment to fostering reconciliation, cultivating safety and empowering individuals through stable housing.

QUOTES

"The City of Saskatoon is proud to contribute to the development of Aggie’s and Shirley’s House. Our support reflects our commitment to collaborative, community-driven solutions to urgent housing needs. This project is a powerful example of what can be achieved when all levels of government, Indigenous organizations, and community partners come together. We are deeply grateful to everyone involved in making this vision a reality and look forward to the positive impact these homes will have on the lives of those who need them most." - Mayor Cynthia Block

“In partnership with Indigenous-led organizations and all levels of government, we’re proud to help bring Aggie and Shirley’s Shelter to life—a vital refuge for Saskatoon’s most vulnerable. These emergency and transitional housing units will offer Indigenous women, children, and 2SLGBTQI+ community members a safe place to heal, rebuild, and thrive—supported by services rooted in culture, dignity, and care.” – The Honourable Mandy Gull-Masty, Minister of Indigenous Services Canada

“Far too many vulnerable people fleeing violence struggle to find safe, stable housing. That’s why the work CUMFI is doing here in Saskatoon is so important — and why our federal government was proud to partner with them in this work. Together with Indigenous partners, non-profits, and all levels of government, we’re helping ensure that safe, affordable homes are within reach for everyone who needs them.” – The Honourable Buckley Belanger, Secretary of State (Rural Development) and Member of Parliament for Desnethé —Missinippi—Churchill River

“Transitional housing is a critical component in supporting those who need security and stability to build a brighter future. Aggie’s and Shirley’s House expands access to short-term and transitional housing in Saskatoon, giving individuals and families a safe, secure place to heal and rebuild their lives”. – The Honourable Terry Jenson, Minister of Social Services and Minister Responsible for Saskatchewan Housing Corporation (SHC)

NICHI is proud to support the Central Urban Metis Federation (CUMFI) Grand Opening with $1.46 million in funding toward a transformative project for 20 units of 1-3 bedrooms. Aggie's and Shirley's House will provide critical shelter and transitional housing for Indigenous women and 2SLGBTQQIA+ individuals and their children fleeing domestic violence. This initiative reflects our commitment under the Urban, Rural and Northern housing strategy to safe, culturally grounded spaces that foster healing and resilience." – John Gordon, CEO National Indigenous Collaborative Housing Incorporated (NICHI)

“CUMFI’s vision for the emergency and second stage intimate partner violence homes for Indigenous women and Two-Spirit has always been that it will be a safe welcoming environment at a time when no place seems safe.” - Shirley Isbister, Central Urban Métis Federation Inc. (CUMFI) President