Government of Canada takes action to address homelessness in Saint John
News Release
May 13, 2016 Saint John, New Brunswick Employment and Social Development Canada
The Government of Canada is providing funding that will prevent and combat homelessness in Saint John. Wayne Long, Member of Parliament for Saint John–Rothesay, made the announcement on behalf of the Honourable Jean-Yves Duclos, Minister of Families Children and Social Development, at an event today.
Through the Homelessness Partnering Strategy (HPS), the Human Development Council is receiving more than $1.2 million over five years to support projects that help prevent and reduce homelessness by administering funds for local organizations and coordinating their roles.
As part of this funding, Housing Alternatives Inc. is receiving more than $85,000 this year to help up to ten people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness find and maintain stable housing. Housing Alternatives will hire a staff member to act as the hub of a team of service providers, who will connect clients with housing options as well as to other services and support that they may need.
Quick Facts
- Budget 2016 proposes to invest an additional $111.8 million over two years, starting in 2016–17, in the Homelessness Partnering Strategy to help homeless Canadians find stable housing.
- This investment will give communities the support they need to help prevent and reduce homelessness, including Housing First activities, better emergency response services, and support for youth, women fleeing violence, and veterans.
- Under the HPS, more than 35,000 Canadians who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless have benefited from education and training opportunities; over 34,000 have received help to find work; and nearly 6,000 new shelter beds have been created.
Quotes
“The Government of Canada recognizes the pressing need to prevent and reduce homelessness in Canada. Investing in Canada’s communities is not only about creating good jobs and encouraging clean economic growth. It is also about building stronger communities and empowering all Canadians to build better lives for themselves.”
– The Honourable Jean-Yves Duclos, Minister of Families, Children and Social Development
“Homelessness is a harsh reality for too many Canadians. Providing support to local organizations like Housing Alternatives Inc. is crucial to successfully providing people in need with stable housing and support for any underlying issues, such as mental health or addiction.”
– Wayne Long, Member of Parliament for Saint John–Rothesay
“Our Housing First program, through collaboration with municipal, provincial and federal partners such as the Government of Canada’s Homelessness Partnering Strategy, will have a significant, immediate impact on the most vulnerable members of our community. Housing First embraces a non-judgmental, holistic approach that will have widely felt community benefits, including reduced hospital stays and interaction with the justice system as well as other social services.”
– Kit Hickey, Executive Director, Housing Alternatives Inc.
“Homelessness is a broad and complex social issue that requires the coordination of an entire community. The Human Development Council is proud to play a lead role in supporting our Community Council on Homelessness.”
– Greg Bishop, Community Entity Coordinator.
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