Square One Community Inc. marked a major milestone last week, celebrating its first full year of operations — a year that saw the program exceed its initial housing target and expand services for residents experiencing homelessness.

The organization, which operates in Moose Jaw’s downtown core, said its first year of full operations included rapid growth in staffing and programming, supported by federal Reaching Home funding.

Max Eckstein, general manager of Square One Community, said the milestone reflects both the strength of the program’s model and the experience of its staff.

“In one year’s time, (the program) has really grown and expanded,” Eckstein said. “(We’ve had) 40 individuals housed and receiving wraparound supports. We’re seeing a lot of graduation and independence, and it’s really incredible that we’ve been able to do this (all in our) first year.”

Eckstein said the work has also been recognized at the federal level, with Reaching Home expanding its funding support to increase program capacity.

“What’s really exciting about this is that Reaching Home has taken notice of the work that’s been done this year and expanded that funding so we can increase the capacity of the program,” he said. “So we’re hoping in the coming year, 60 individuals will be housed and receive programming with Square One.”

In addition to supportive housing, Eckstein said the organization launched a pilot tenancy stabilization program aimed at preventing eviction for residents at risk of losing housing, along with rapid rehousing support for people who have recently slipped into homelessness.

Square One said stable housing has served as a gateway to improved outcomes for participants, including reduced reliance on emergency services, increased engagement in recovery supports, and renewed progress toward education and employment.

The organization reported a “93 per cent reduction in interactions with emergency services,” along with “more than 50 per cent of program participants already voluntarily participating in some form of addictions recovery programming or processes.”

Eckstein said those numbers reflect the impact of providing stability, alongside intensive case management.

“More than 50 per cent of our program participants are participating in addiction cessation programming,” he said. “So that’s either they’re signing up to attend treatment or detox, they’re attending addictions groups, they’re attending meetings, and they’re working on programming with their intensive case managers.”

Eckstein also highlighted reconnection with family as one of the year’s most meaningful outcomes.

“We’ve also seen more than 50 per cent of our existing program participants reconnect with family that they haven’t talked to in many years since experiencing homelessness,” he said.

The organization also reported progress in education and employment, with several participants enrolled in upgrading or post-secondary programs, and others beginning to re-enter the workforce.

“We have had some individuals return to work, which is very exciting to see,” Eckstein said.

He added that Square One has also created local employment, with nine skilled jobs based in the downtown.

Looking ahead, Eckstein said the program is expected to see more participants transition into independent living as they move through Square One’s phased model of support. He said five participants have already reached what the organization calls Step Four. This next step is focused on participants living independently within the community.

Square One Community president Della Ferguson said the organization’s first year has been shaped by shared effort across the community.

“We are deeply grateful for a successful first year of operations at Square One Community Supportive Housing,” Ferguson said. “Thanks to the collective efforts and shared commitment to community well-being demonstrated by our incredible Square One staff, board, partners, Reaching Home funding and community members, a strong foundation has been built — one rooted in stability, dignity, and hope for the residents we serve.”

The organization said more than 50 additional people have already been assessed and are currently on its waiting list.

To learn more, call 306-631-9340, visit SquareOneHousingMooseJaw.com, follow “Square One Community Inc. Moose Jaw” on Facebook, or email CommunitySquareOne@gmail.com.

Aaron Walker

Reporter

Moose Jaw Express