CALGARY, ALBERTA, February 3, 2007— The Honourable Jim Prentice, Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development, announced $876,000 in National Homelessness Initiative (NHI) funding to the Oxford House Foundation of Canada, on behalf of the Honourable Monte Solberg, Minister of Human Resources and Social Development Canada. Ron MacMillan, Executive Officer for Oxford House Foundation of Canada, joined the minister at the announcement at the Foundation's Temple House.
"Canada's New Government is proud to support community efforts to help homeless people and those at risk of homelessness become confident and independent members of Canadian society," said Minister Prentice. "Through community projects like these, we are helping to provide a hand up so that people can get back on their feet."
The Oxford House Foundation of Canada offers temporary housing for the homeless and those at risk of becoming homeless. The funding, announced under the National Homelessness Initiative's (NHI) Supporting Communities Partnership Initiative and the Urban Aboriginal Homelessness initiative, will support the development of three new homeless projects in Calgary - the Oxford Temple, Marbank, and Margate House respectively.
Canada's New Government recently announced that the NHI, scheduled to end in March 2007, will be replaced by an improved strategy, the Homelessness Partnering Strategy on April 1, 2007.
The new Homelessness Partnering Strategy 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 new Strategy will provide concrete, meaningful and lasting results for Canadians in need.
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