WINNIPEG, Manitoba, July 10, 2007 — Aboriginal students who are single parents or have a disability, and who are homeless or at-risk of becoming homeless, will have a safe and accessible place to call home when Neeginan Village opens its doors. Canada's New Government, the Province of Manitoba and the City of Winnipeg are contributing $6.1 million through the Winnipeg Housing and Homelessness Initiative (WHHI) and the Winnipeg Partnership Agreement (WPA).
The Honourable Monte Solberg, Minister of Human Resources and Social Development, the Honourable Kerri Irvin-Ross, Manitoba Minister of Healthy Living and Deputy Mayor Brenda Leipsic, made the announcement today, at the site of the future complex, located next to the Aboriginal Centre on Higgins Avenue.
"Canada's New Government is committed to helping those in need find safe and accessible housing," said Minister Solberg. "The construction of Neeginan Village is a step towards ensuring those who need help have access to housing and support so they can build a better and stronger future for themselves and their families."
"Neeginan Village offers students at the Centre for Aboriginal Human Resources Development more than just a place to stay," said Minister Irvin-Ross, on behalf of Family Services and Housing Minister Gord Mackintosh and Intergovernmental Affairs Minister Steve Ashton. "It will offer personal and emotional support, tutoring, career path-finding and skills development - all things that will complement what students learn in class and as they prepare to enter the workforce."
"Getting an education or upgrading your skills can be challenging under the best circumstances," said Deputy Mayor Leipsic, on behalf of Mayor Katz. "A lack of proper housing and support makes it even more difficult. By providing stability and a sense of community, Neeginan Village will give students a better chance at becoming full participants in their community and we're very pleased to be part of that."
Neeginan Village will be a transitional and supportive housing project with 24 single parent/family units, and an additional four single accessible units for persons with disabilities. The housing complex is expected to open in Spring 2008 and is one of many initiatives undertaken by the Centre for Aboriginal Human Resource Development (CAHRD).
"When students come to Neeginan Village, it's not just about economic and community development — our community is coming home. CAHRD is creating a community and homes for the Aboriginal community and it's all based on a 30-year vision of 'Neeginan', which is a Cree word meaning 'Our Place'," said Wayne Helgason, CAHRD Board Chair. "Through the Aboriginal Centre, Aboriginal Health & Wellness, the Aboriginal Community Campus, the Neeginan Institute of Applied Technology, and the new state-of-the-art Neeginan Technical Centre, the corner of Main and Higgins will be Neeginan and we will all be here to celebrate families and self sustainability."
WHHI funding of $4.3 million consists of $3.8 million through federal homelessness funding and $500,000 through the recently announced Manitoba HomeWorks! Program. Winnipeg Partnership Agreement (WPA) funding of $1.78 million is being directed towards land costs including site remediation and demolition costs.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
Please see attached backgrounder for further program and funding information.
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For more information, contact:
Pema Lhalungpa
Press Secretary
Office of Minister Solberg
(819) 994-2482
Media Relations Office
Human Resources and Social Development Canada
(819) 994-5559
Graham Gork
Communications Services Manitoba
Public Affairs
(204) 945-5795
Carmen Barnett
Press Secretary
Office of the Mayor
City of Winnipeg
(204) 986-5569
backgrounder
Centre for Aboriginal Human Resource Development (CAHRD)
CAHRD is a community-led, non-profit charity, human resource development organization with a mandate to assist Aboriginal people in preparing for, acquiring and maintaining quality employment. CAHRD is the urban Aboriginal Human Resource Development Agreement (AHRDA) holder for the City of Winnipeg providing service to over 2,400 people per year, placing an average of 1200 in employment and 500 in training on a yearly basis. CAHRD has been providing services to Winnipeg's Aboriginal community for over 30 years.
Winnipeg Housing and Homelessness Initiative (WHHI)
Federal funding is coordinated by the WHHI, a partnership established by the Government of Canada, the Province of Manitoba and the City of Winnipeg to address homelessness, declining housing stock and the revitalization of Winnipeg's older neighbourhoods.
Since 2000, the WHHI partnership has committed over $91 million to repair, rehabilitate, or construct over 3,600 housing units as well as assist those who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. The WHHI is a single-window office for community organizations to access information on government-funded housing and homelessness programs. For more information, visit www.whhi.ca.
Winnipeg Partnership Agreement (WPA)
WPA funds come from Component I - Aboriginal Participation, of the Winnipeg Partnership Agreement. This program recognizes and builds upon economic development, training and employment or health and wellness opportunities for Winnipeg's Aboriginal citizens. The Winnipeg Partnership Agreement was signed in May 2004 and represents a five-year, $75-million commitment by the governments of Canada (through Western Economic Diversification Canada), Manitoba and the City of Winnipeg to strengthen neighbourhoods, promote economic development and enable Aboriginal citizens to fully enjoy Winnipeg's economic and social opportunities. Interested parties are encouraged to consult the Web site www.winnipegpartnership.mb.ca for program details.
Homelessness Partnering Strategy (HPS)
The Government of Canada's new Homelessness Partnering Strategy began on April 1, 2007. It will provide $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 move to 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.
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