Construction is officially underway on 2 new transitional housing facilities.

One is Baby Steps, a home for babies who might have otherwise ended up in the care of the Ministry of Social Services, where mothers can come spend time with their children and bond as they work toward full custody.

Mah's Place is a long-term residence for mothers who have been successful in getting their children back.

Don Meikle, Director of Housing and Outreach Services for EGADZ, says these projects are unique because they help mothers who are truly committed to getting back their kids, "We always have this habit of helping kids half way or 3-quarters of the way. We have to keep working with them because the stress and everything of not having adequate safe housing is: okay I worked very hard to get my child back, but now where am I going to live?"

Meikle says funding from the federal government, the province, the City of Saskatoon, and Wally and Colleen Mah.

The Mahs, with Northridge Developments, donated 134 thousand dollars in total to the project. Wally Mah explains why he's involved, "For young children, they were born into an environment that is not of their own making, and I've always thought that if we can help the youth become successful, that's something that's important, versus helping the symptoms."

EGADZ, who will operate the 2 homes, expects to be moved in and have both homes open by mid-July.

(pb april 10/12)