SAINT-GERVAIS, QUEBEC, April 11, 2007 — Steven Blaney, Member of Parliament for Lévis-Bellechasse, on behalf of the Honourable Monte Solberg, Minister of Human Resources and Social Development, today announced $10,000 in federal homelessness funding. The funding will help meet the needs of youth at risk of homelessness and in crisis in the Bellechasse Regional County Municipality (RCM).
"Canada's New Government is proud to support the Ressource alternative des jeunes de Bellechasse in order to improve living conditions for our most vulnerable youth," said Mr. Blaney. "The van that has been bought with this funding enables street workers to help many more young people and make a positive difference in their lives."
As part of this project, Ressource alternative des jeunes de Bellechasse received $10,000 to purchase a new van. The organization works toward the social, educational and employment integration of young adults with integration difficulties in the Bellechasse RCM.
The new van will make it possible for street workers at Ressource alternative des jeunes de Bellechasse to travel to various municipalities within the RCM and thereby increase their presence in the community. The street workers will be able to play a more effective role in preventing homelessness among the most vulnerable youth.
The project is funded by the Regional Homelessness Fund (RHF), one of the components of the National Homelessness Initiative.
In July 2003, the Government of Canada and the Government of Quebec signed an agreement of cooperation regarding the Supporting Communities Partnership Initiative and the RHF. This agreement respects the jurisdictions, policies and priorities of both governments with regard to homelessness. A joint management committee oversees the coordination of this agreement and is supported in its work by an advisory committee composed of representatives from both levels of government and from community organizations.
Canada's New Government launched the Homelessness Partnering Strategy on April 1, 2007. It replaces the National Homelessness Initiative.
The new Homelessness Partnering Strategy is providing $269.6 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.
For more information on the Homelessness Partnering Strategy, please visit http://www.homelessness.gc.ca.
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This news release is available in alternative formats upon request.
For more information (media only):
Pema Lhalungpa
Press Secretary
Office of Minister Solberg
819-994-2482
Media Relations Office
Human Resources and Social Development Canada
819-994-5559
