(L-R) CAYU Executive Director CAYU Executive Director Jerel Peters, City of Lacombe Deputy Mayor Thalia Hibbs, CAYU Housing Director Penny Ure, City of Lacombe Affordable Housing Committee Chair Outi Kite

By rdnewsNOW staff

Helping Youth In Need

Lacombe’s affordable housing strategy leads to Yu-Turn Girls Home

Nov 4, 2020 | 4:18 PM

The City of Lacombe and Central Alberta Youth Unlimited (CAYU) are excited to announce the opening of a Yu-Turn Girls Supportive Housing project in Lacombe.

Officials say the Yu-Turn Home provides a skill development program for young people ages 16-22 who both require and desire support and encouragement to become holistically healthy and fully independent community contributors.

Within a community environment, participants journey through a personalized development plan with the support of a house mentor, youth workers, and community partners. Built on the premise of change through choice – this relationship-based program seeks to see the hope and wholeness realized in the community’s young people.

“We are thrilled that our community has come along side YU-Turn to help us provide a safe, loving home for youth at risk,” says Penny Ure, housing director for Central Alberta Youth, in a press release. “Together we are empowering our youth by loving them and investing in their future.”

Officials note the City of Lacombe’s Affordable Housing Strategy directed $80,000 towards the $400,000 facility. CAYU has since raised an additional $300,000, leaving only $20,000 remaining on the facility’s mortgage.

DON'T WASTE IT

Lacombe encouraging residents to treat water as precious resource

4h ago

Ground School Training

New aviation career pathway elevates opportunities for students

14h ago

4-7 p.m. Wednesday

City to host downtown parking feedback session

16h ago

“It was an easy choice to recommend capital funding towards a supportive housing project that offers hope and opportunity to younger residents in Lacombe,” adds Affordable Housing Committee Chair Outi Kite.

The City of Lacombe’s contribution to the project includes both City and Government of Alberta funding.

“City Council is pleased to see this funding directed towards needed, sustainable housing options in our community,” Mayor Grant Creasey remarks. “It is great to see an organization like CAYU invest in young people who deserve the best chance to succeed in Lacombe.”

Officials say CAYU is continuing to fundraise for the facility’s mortgage and are also looking for community partners to provide funds for monthly programming. Additionally, community partnerships and volunteers are needed to assist with employment and skill development programming.

To learn more about the program or to support Yu-Turn, contact Penny Ure at youthhousing@cayu.ca.