NELSON, BRITISH COLUMBIA - The Salvation Army of Nelson celebrated the official re-opening of their building which has been renovated to include new shower and laundry facilities. These facilities will enable homeless individuals in Nelson to attend to their personal needs at no cost. This project received funding of $39,833 from the Government of Canada's National Homelessness Initiative.
"Canada's New Government is proud to support the Salvation Army in providing needed services to those struggling with homelessness in Nelson," said the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Social Development. "This new facility will be an important step in helping many people to maintain their dignity and pride."
Also present at the opening were representatives from the provincial government, Nelson City council and the Nelson Steering Committee on Homelessness.
"The Committee is delighted by the level of support and collaboration in the community that has allowed a project such as this to be realized," said Phyllis Nash, Co-Chair, Nelson Committee on Homelessness. "This project will have such an immediate and positive effect on the daily lives of the homeless and disadvantaged people in our community," added Helen Lutz, Co-Chair, Nelson Committee on Homelessness.
The new facility, located at 601 Vernon Street in Nelson, will be available for use Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 4:30pm.
"The Salvation Army is proud to be able to provide a safe environment for homeless people in Nelson to maintain their standard of cleanliness and dignity," said Major Edith Dean. "By providing increased access to showers and clean clothing, we have a better chance of ending the cycle of homelessness. This project is funded through the Nelson Community Plan. Developed in consultation with the community and various stakeholders, the Plan identifies a set of priorities for Nelson to address homelessness related issues. Priorities include ensuring access to laundry and shower facilities for homeless Canadians and those at-risk of homelessness.
Funding for this project was provided through the Government of Canada's Supporting Communities Partnership Initiative (SCPI). SCPI brings together various partners to develop local solutions to their community's homelessness problems and establish a seamless web of supports for the homeless population. Funding for this project was provided for in the 2006/07 federal Budget.
This project has been reviewed to ensure compliance with Human Resources and Social Development Canada's administration of its Grants and Contributions Programs.
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For more information on the Government of Canada's National Homelessness Initiative, visit our Web site at www.homelessness.gc.ca
For further information: Sara ClemmerGovernment of Canada(604) 666-9157
Phyllis NashCo-ChairNelson Committee on Homelessness (250) 352-9640
