ORANGEVILLE, ONTARIO, June 15, 2007 — David Tilson, Member of Parliament for Dufferin-Caledon, on behalf of the Honourable Monte Solberg, Minister of Human Resources and Social Development, today participated in the grand opening ceremony of the Dufferin Housing Help Centre, which received $56,889 in federal homelessness funding. The Centre, operated by the John Howard Society of Peel-Halton-Dufferin, provides an affordable housing registry and housing support for people who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless.
The County of Dufferin, using Consolidated Homelessness Prevention Program funding received from the Government of Ontario, contributed an additional $10,000 to the Dufferin Housing Help Centre.
"Canada's New Government invested $56,889 in the Dufferin Housing Help Centre to help those who are homeless or at risk of being homeless, and I am pleased to be here at its grand opening," said MP Tilson. "By partnering with the John Howard Society, we are taking action to help people in Orangeville find affordable and permanent housing and become more self-reliant."
"The Dufferin Housing Help Centre in Dufferin County is an important service that assists community members in the challenge of finding affordable housing," said Jeff Brown, Managing Director of the John Howard Society of Peel-Halton-Dufferin. "It is unfortunate when community members are faced with leaving the community that they live in because of the lack of affordable housing and emergency shelter in Dufferin County."
The new Homelessness Partnering Strategy provides $269.6 million over two years to help communities across Canada combat homelessness more effectively. The Strategy puts in place structures and supports that help people who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless achieve self-sufficiency, and fosters partnerships aimed at achieving concrete results and enhanced sustainability.
For more information on the federal government's Homelessness Partnering Strategy, visit www.homelessness.gc.ca.
- 30 -
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
