The Moose Jaw Housing Authority's (MJHA) mission is to deliver quality, safe and affordable housing and programs within the community.
The Authority provides affordable housing for families, persons with disabilities and seniors 55 and over. The MJHA says people can visit them to find out the many options available for housing, especially seniors who want to live independently at an affordable rate.
Jim Cannon, general manager at the Moose Jaw Housing Authority, says there are many options available.
“We provide housing to people who are looking for great housing solutions. So, low to moderate are targeted, seniors, families and people with disabilities are targeted. However, we want to make sure that we are able to help anyone who may not see their self in any of those categories. We want to encourage anyone that needs housing to inquire with us.”
He says there are several options available that may fit what someone is looking for.
“Yes, our rents are based on incomes and some assets as well as other information that you have to give to make sure you fit in the policy, but we want people to know that they can inquire, even if they do not feel that they match any of the categories or requirements. We want people to come talk with us. People may not think we’re an option, but we could be.”
Specifically, for seniors, Cannon says they have multi-unit buildings that come with various incentives for seniors.
“We cater for seniors 55 and over. Most of our options are multi-unit buildings. We have places in downtown Moose Jaw — High Park Towers, Victoria, Temple Towers, Heritage Place — that are senior high-rise buildings. In all those buildings, we require our tenants to live independently. We’re not a care facility, we simply provide a home. It’s independent living, however, we do have some initiatives to try to make that easier on people.”
He outlined some of the options available for seniors.
“At a couple of our larger buildings, Victoria Towers and High Park Towers, we have over 150 units in each building. We provide a meal program at those building and it is totally up to the tenant whether they want to participate. We have a cleaning contractor that people can also activate if they want to. The contractor comes in and cleans, does laundry etc. for a fee. Those are some of the things we have at the Authority as options available for seniors that will help them to live independently longer.”
He says, however, that rents are based on income or any other source of earning for those who would love to apply.
“Our rents are also based on income, roughly around 30 per cent of income or other earning avenues. Again, we want people to come talk with us in order to get those details and see how we can help and for people to see if it is financially advantageous to live with us. We want to help in whatever way we can to find proper and affordable housing. We want to make sure that everyone has a home and if we can provide a roof over someone’s head, that’s what we’re here for.”
Seniors can also maintain an active lifestyle while living at one of the Authority’s properties. Within the senior/adult buildings activities are planned to enhance the lives of tenants such as games and seasonal activities. There is also free city bus service to Superstore, the Town 'n' Country Mall, and the Moose Jaw Co-op.
Saskatchewan Assisted Living Services (SALS) is also a support service option for residents living in Moose Jaw Housing Authority apartment buildings. Services are on a fee-for-service basis and include housekeeping and laundy. Regular cleaning, applicance cleaning (fridge, stove, deep freeze), washing walls, cleaning windows, and other seasonal cleaning, washing laundry, dry, iron, fold and sort personal laundry, sheets, towels and bedding. The MJHA housing services officer coordinates SALS services between the tenant and the service providers. An activity workers is also available during the day and will discuss tenants' needs and requirements.
There are also active Tenant Association boards in senior buildings. The Moose Jaw Housing Authority says they are a great way to be active and create opportunities.
Fore more information and how to apply, you can contact the Moose Jaw Housing Authority at 306-694-4055, email [email protected] or visit their website. The MJHA is located at 255 Caribou St. W.
