DELTA, BRITISH COLUMBIA, March 28, 2008 - Vulnerable individuals in British Columbia who are working to break free from the cycles of homelessness and poverty and to build a stronger future for themselves are getting help from th he Government of Canada.
Ms. Nina Grewal, Member of Parliament for Fleetwood-Port Kells, on behalf of the Honourable Monte Solberg, Minister of Human Resources and Social Development, today announced funding of $608,289 for the Fraserside Commun ity Services Society for two projects to help people in British Columbia. The funding is being provided under the federal government's Homelessness Partnering Strategy (HPS).
"Our government is delivering on our commitment to help those who are h omeless or at risk of becoming homeless," said MP Grewal. "We are proud to support community efforts that help find local solutions to local problems. By making this investment, the Fraserside Community Services Society will be able to implement two pro jects that will help people right here in Delta."
The Fraserside Community Services Society received the HPS funding for two projects. Funding of $531,073 for the first project, Youth Housing in Delta, will be used to purchase and renovate a three -bedroom house to provide supportive housing to four youth with mental health issues and/or addictions who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. Funding of $77,216 for the second project will allow the Fraserside Community Services Society to employ a community housing worker to help individuals who are homeless and those who are having difficulty staying in stable housing. This community worker will help people find housing more quickly, and help them develop the skills they need to make their housi ng situation more stable.
"Access to stable housing is a challenge that crosses municipalities, age groups and working families," said Ms. Caroline Bonesky, Executive Director, Fraserside Community Services Society. "Fraserside is pleased to be w orking with federal and provincial partners to create opportunities for young adults to have stable housing in Delta, and for individuals and families in New Westminster to find and retain housing."
On February 22, 2008, Minister Solberg announce d that 505 projects totalling almost $150 million have been approved since April 1, 2007, under the HPS to prevent and reduce homelessness in Canada. The announcement today is part of that total figure.
The Homelessness Partnering Strategy is pro viding $269.6 million over two years to help communities across Canada combat homelessness more effectively.
The Strategy recognizes that housing stability is essential to self-sufficiency and full participation in Canadian society. It focuses on transitional and supportive housing as important measures to help people overcome homelessness. With its clear goals of improved partnerships, enhanced sustainability and tangible results, the Strategy will provide concrete, meaningful and lasting res ults for Canadians in need.
"Our government is investing more in affordable and supportive housing than any federal government in Canada's history, and as a result, we are helping tens of thousands of Canadians reach a better, more stable life," s aid MP Grewal.
The link between homelessness and mental illness is well established. In 2007, the Prime Minister of Canada announced the first-ever Mental Health Commission of Canada, and in Budget 2008, we committed $110 million for the Commissi on to develop new innovative demonstration projects that will help Canadians facing mental health and homelessness challenges.
This news release is available in alternative formats upon request.
For more i nformation on the Homelessness Partnering Strategy, please visit www.homelessness.gc.ca .
For further information (media only):
Media Relations Office
Huma n Resources and Social Development Canada
819-994-5559
