PRINCE GEORGE, BRITISH COLUMBIA, January 18, 2008 — The Honourable Jay Hill, Secretary of State, Chief Government Whip and Member of Parliament for Prince George-Peace River, on behalf of the Honourable Monte Solberg, Minister of Human Resources and Social Development, today announced funding for the expansion of services for the St. Vincent de Paul Society Drop-in Centre that provides services to individuals and families who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless in Prince George and the surrounding area.
The Government of Canada is providing funding of $120,178 to enable the Centre to provide daily meals to 300 individuals, and 100 emergency food hampers each month to Prince George families in crisis. An on-site social concerns administrator will also be engaged to assist clients with referrals to community agencies, including those that provide employment, life skills and social services.
"The Government of Canada is delivering on its commitment to help those who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless," said Secretary of State Hill. "We are proud to support organizations such as the St. Vincent de Paul Society Drop-In Centre that help vulnerable Canadians to become more independent and to enjoy a better quality of life."
"We're very grateful to receive this funding to help operate our Drop-in Centre and meal service," said Ms. Bernadette Goold, President of the St. Vincent de Paul Society in Prince George. "These monies will go a long way in helping us to ensure we have sufficient staff to continue providing these essential services to homeless and marginalized people in and around Prince George's downtown core."
The Government of Canada is fostering partnerships with all levels of government and community organizations, such as the St. Vincent de Paul Society, to address homelessness in Canada. Through its Homelessness Partnering Strategy (HPS), the Government is taking action to prevent and reduce homelessness.
This Strategy is providing $269.6 million over two years to help communities across Canada combat homelessness more effectively. The HPS puts in place structures and supports that help people who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless achieve self-sufficiency and full participation in society.
For more information on the federal government's Homelessness Partnering Strategy, please visit www.homelessness.gc.ca.
- 30 -
This news release is available in alternative formats upon request.
Please visit the new departmental Web site at www.hrsdc.gc.ca.
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
