BRANDON, MANITOBA, May 23, 2007 — Merv Tweed, Member of Parliament for Brandon-Souris, on behalf of the Honourable Monte Solberg, Minister of Human Resources and Social Development, today announced $221,090 in federal homelessness funding for the Helping Our People Eliminate (HOPE) Homelessness project, an eight-unit apartment building in Brandon.
"Canada's New Government recognizes that homelessness is a challenge that requires the efforts of many partners to help vulnerable Canadians become independent," said Mr. Tweed. "This funding of over $220,000 will help the Brandon Friendship Centre make a difference in the lives of Aboriginal 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."
Through the HOPE project, the Brandon Friendship Centre purchased a facility to provide seven self-contained transitional units for individuals or families who are homeless or at risk of being homeless for up to a two-year period. The eighth unit will house an on-site caretaker. All tenants will also have access to support and guidance services that will help them become more self-sufficient.
"The Brandon Friendship Centre is pleased to be a partner in this project," said Lorne Mosionier, President of the Brandon Friendship Centre. "Through HOPE, we're providing safe transitional housing for our citizens who need it the most."
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.
For more information on the Homelessness Partnering Strategy, visit www.homelessness.gc.ca.
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For more information (media only):
Pema Lhalungpa
Press Secretary
Office of Minister Solberg
819-994-2482
Media Relations
Human Resources and Social Development Canada
819-994-5559
