It's the next step in the right direction

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Making the transition from abusive situations to independent living will be a little easier now for women and children in the High Prairie area.

The Next Step, a long-term housing project for abused women and their children, was officially opened at the Sucker Creek Emergency Women's Shelter Sept. 15.

Sucker Creek is located at the western end of Lesser Slave Lake. The housing project consists of four semi-detached housing units situated adjacent to the emergency shelter. While the shelter offers temporary accommodation for women for up to 21 days, the transitional housing units will offer accommodations for up to one year.

There were 100 people on hand for the opening ceremonies, including shelter staff, Chief Jim Badger of the Sucker Creek Band, council members, shelter board members, representatives of the Lesser Slave Lake Indian Regional Council, a representative of Canada Housing and Mortgage Corporation and Lesser Slave Lake Conservative MLA Pearl Calahasen.

Funding for the project came in the form of an interest fee loan of $345,000 and cash equity of $18,000 from CMHC.

The Sucker Creek Band added $14,000 to pay for the installation of the water lines.

"Secure housing plays a critical role in protecting women and children who have left abusive and violent relationships," said David Dingwall, the federal minister responsible for Canada Mortgage and Housing.

"Finding somewhere safe to stay is a need which endures for quite some time. The Next Step is designed to provide the longer term protection needed by some women and children once they leave an emergency shelter."

The housing units are designed around a central court yard. The main entrance faces east, which is the symbolic beginning place in Aboriginal tradition.

There are two two-bedroom units and two three-bedroom units. One is designed to be accessible for handicapped people. All the units are furnished, thanks to the fundraising efforts of volunteers, said Lalonde.

Women who stay in the units will pay rent, she said. They will also have access to all the counseling services offered through the women's shelter for both themselves and their children.

Although the women's shelter and Next Step housing project are situated on the Sucker Creek reserve, the facilities are open to both aboriginal and non-aboriginal women in need of help.