HALIFAX, NOVA SCOTIA, August 20, 2008 - Individuals in Halifax working to break free from the cycles of homelessnesss and poverty and build a stronger future for themselves are getting help from Canada's federal government.
Senator Donald Oliver, on behalf of the Honourable Monte Solberg, Minister of Human Resources and Social Development, today announced support toward two projects for the Metro Non-Profit Housing Association (MNPHA) under the Government's Homelessness Partnering Strategy (HPS).
"Our government is delivering on its commitment to help those who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless,"
said Senator Oliver. "We are proud to support community efforts that help find local solutions to local problems. This new facility will give vulnerable individuals an opportunity to build a stronger future for themselves."
Almost $1.9 million in funding will be used to construct a 20-unit supportive housing project in Halifax's downtown core, which will focus on providing housing stability for homeless individuals with mental health and addiction challenges.
Also, over $150,000 in HPS funding will be used to partner with the Mi'kmaq Native Friendship Centre for the establishment of a program that will provide support to people who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. The program will provide support services in a number of areas, such as helping tenants manage their money.
"Prime Minister Stephen Harper and our government are committed to helping tens of thousands of Canadians reach a better, more stable life,"
said Senator Oliver. "Our government is investing more in affordable and supportive housing than any federal government in Canada's history."
"With the assistance for the two projects, MNPHA is partnering to address a significant shortage of housing for i ndividuals who are homeless, as well as help support individuals to keep them from becoming homeless,"
said Ms. Carol Charlebois, Executive Director of MNPHA.
The Homelessness Partnering Strategy is providing $269.6 million over two years to help communities across Canada combat homelessness more effectively. The HPS provides structures and supports that help people who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless achieve self-sufficiency and full participation in society.
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This news release is available in alternative formats upon request.
For more inf ormation on the Homelessness Partnering Strategy, please visit www.homelessness.gc.ca.
For further information (media only):
Media Relations Office
Human Resources and Social Development Canada
819-994-5559
The Homelessness Partnering Strategy (HPS) began on April 1, 2007. The Strategy is providing $269 .6 million over two years to prevent and reduce homelessness in Canada. The HPS is a unique community-based program aimed at preventing and reducing homelessness in Canada by providing funding and direct support to more than 60 communities across Canada.
Under the HPS, the Government of Canada is offering to work in partnership with all provinces and territories. Once put in place, such partnerships would encourage better alignment of federal and provincial/territorial investments, and help to provide a seamless continuum of supports for homeless people.
The HPS has three main initiatives: the Homelessness Partnership Initiative (HPI), the Homelessness Accountability Network and the Surplus Federal Real Property for Homelessness Initiative.
The Homelessness Partnership Initiative is the cornerstone of the Homelessness Partnering Strategy. Its housing-first approach recognizes that the fi rst step is to provide individuals with transitional and supportive housing.
The HPI has four funding components:
- Designated Communities
- Outreach Communities
- Aboriginal Communities
- Federal Horizontal Pilot Projects
The Homelessness Accountability Network helps to strengthen program accountability. It also develops knowledge and encourages organizations to reinforce their networks and share best practices.
The Surplus Federal Re al Property for Homelessness Initiative makes surplus federal property as well as land available to community organizations, the not-for-profit sector, and other levels of government, for projects to prevent and reduce homelessness.
