LETHBRIDGE, ALBERTA, January 11, 2007 - Rick Casson, Member of Parliament for Lethbridge, on behalf of the Honourable Monte Solberg, Minister of Human Resources and Social Development Canada, is proud to announce $188,368 in funding to the City of Lethbridge. This funding, provided under the Supporting Communities Partnership Initiative and the Urban Aboriginal Homelessness components of the National Homelessness Initiative (NHI), will help the City of Lethbridge work with community organizations to alleviate homelessness in the area.
Mr. Casson made the announcement at the Lethbridge Shelter and Resource Centre. Lethbridge Mayor Bob Tarleck also took part in the event.
"Canada's New Government recognizes that homelessness is no small challenge and is committed to helping vulnerable Canadians become independent," said Mr. Casson. "This funding will help the City of Lethbridge make a difference in the lives of individuals and families who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. We are proud to support the efforts of community organizations who are working to alleviate homelessness in Canada."
"The City of Lethbridge, working with its community partner, Social Housing In Action (SHIA), has provided immediate support to homeless people through the Lethbridge Shelter," says Mayor Robert Tarleck. "Long term recovery from homelessness requires one-stop access to a wide range of services that enable people to return to independent living. These services are being provided through an on-site Resource Centre. This Federal Government funding continues to help us bring Lethbridge home."
Since 1999, the NHI has been working in partnership with community organizations, the private and voluntary sector, and other levels of government to develop local solutions to homelessness. Canada's New Government recently announced that the NHI, scheduled to end in March 2007, is being replaced by an improved strategy, the Homelessness Partnering Strategy.
The new Homelessness Partnering Strategy (HPS) will provide $270 million over two years to help communities across Canada combat homelessness more effectively. The strategy focuses on a housing-first approach to homelessness, recognizing that housing stability is essential to self-sufficiency and full participation in Canadian society. With its clear goals of improved partnerships, enhanced sustainability and tangible results, the HPS will provide concrete, meaningful and lasting results for Canadians in need.
Since 2003, the City of Lethbridge has received close to $1.5 million through the NHI.
For more information: www.homelessness.gc.ca
-30 -
Media inquiries:
Media Relations Office
Human Resources and Social Development Canada
819-994-5559
