Government of Canada supports innovative project to address homeless youth
News Release
October 13, 2017 Ottawa, Ontario Employment and Social Development Canada
Far too many young people face homelessness in Canada, including over 25,000 youth who used shelters in 2014. This is why the Government of Canada is supporting the development of new and innovative approaches to reducing youth homelessness through the Homelessness Partnering Strategy’s (HPS) Innovative Solutions to Homelessness funding stream, which is delivered nationally.
Today, the Honourable Jean-Yves Duclos, Minister of Families, Children and Social Development, announced that the Government is providing $396,896 to HireUp Technology Inc. for their innovative project, HireUp 2.0—a platform which provides employers with the opportunity to connect with and hire youth who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless.
HireUp 2.0 will not only help over 5,000 vulnerable youth find employment, but also provide social metrics to assess the impact that projects like these have on preventing youth homelessness. The work being done by HireUp Technology Inc. is an excellent example of the innovative projects being undertaken in partnership by the government, not-for-profit and private sectors to address enduring social issues across Canada.
Quotes
“The Government of Canada is proud to support organizations like HireUp Technology Inc., which are taking innovative approaches to help reduce youth homelessness. The HireUp 2.0 platform is a great example of how employers can connect with at-risk youth who have boundless potential and talent. Supporting Canada’s youth is one of the greatest investments we can make to give more Canadians a real and fair chance to succeed.”
– The Honourable Jean-Yves Duclos, Minister of Families, Children and Social Development
“HireUp exists to support at-risk youth in overcoming barriers to work. With the support of the Government of Canada’s Homlessness Partnering Strategy, our platform will ensure at-risk youth are screened into—not out of—employment opportunities and enhance the supports needed to be successful in their lives and in their careers.”
– Preston Aitken, Chief Executive Officer, HireUp Technology Inc.
Quick Facts
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To give more Canadians access to housing that is safe, adequate and affordable, Budget 2017 introduced a National Housing Strategy, supported by an investment of more than $11.2 billion over 11 years, starting in 2017–2018. It is expected that this strategy will help thousands of Canadian households in need find adequate, suitable and affordable housing.
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As part of the National Housing Strategy, Budget 2017 announced a total investment of $2.1 billion from 2018–2019 to 2027–2028 to expand and extend funding for the HPS.
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This investment builds on funding provided through Budget 2016 of $111.8 million over two years ($57.9 million in 2016–2017 and $53.9 million in 2017–2018). It is also an addition to the program’s existing five-year investment of nearly $600 million over five years (2014−2019).
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Since April 1, 2014, the renewed HPS has helped more than 5,000 Canadians who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless begin education and nearly 5,000 begin job training; more than 10,000 Canadians have received help to find work, half of which began full-time jobs; more than 500 new beds have been created, 50 percent of which were in permanent supportive housing; and the program has helped place over 32,500 people in more stable housing.
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Contacts
Émilie Gauduchon-Campbell Media Relations
Office
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Jean-Yves Duclos, P.C., M.P.
Minister of Families, Children and Social Development
819-654-5546
Employment and Social
Development Canada
819-994-5559media@hrsdc-rhdcc.gc.ca
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