VICTORIA, BRITISH COLUMBIA, September 2, 2008 - Families in Victoria working to break free from the cycles of homelessness and poverty and build a stronger future for themselves are getting help from the Government of Canada and the Province of British Columbia.
The Honourable Gary Lunn, Minister of Natural Resources, on behalf of the Honourable Monte Solberg, Minister of Human Resources and Social Development, today announced Homelessness Partnering Strategy funding of $462,000 at the grand opening of the Fernwood Neighbourhood Resource Group's (NRG) Park Place Housing project in Victoria.
"Our government is delivering on its commitment to help those who are homeless, or who are at risk of becoming homeless," said Minister Lunn. "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."
The Province of British Columbia, through the Housing Endowment Fund, provided $380,000 to Park Place. The $250-million Housing Endowment Fund was established in the 2007 Provincial Budget. The fund will generate investment revenue of approximately $10 million a year, which will be used to fund new ideas and support innovative housing solutions that meet the diverse housing needs of British Columbians.
"The Housing Endowment Fund proudly supports diverse housing solutions in British Columbia," said the Honourable Rich Coleman, Minister of Housing and Social Development. "These homes will provide families with quality, affordable housing and are an excellent example of how government and community partners can come together to address multiple community needs."
"Park Place is a great example of what can be achieved when partners work together to address the needs of families who are homeless or at risk of homelessness," said Victoria Mayor Alan Lowe. "The City of Victoria is proud to support this project through the contribution of $60,000 from the Victoria Housing Trust Fund."
"Park Place demonstrates the importance of safe and affordable housing in the lives of children, their parents, and the greater community," said Mr. Dean Fortin, Chair, Capital Regional District Regional Housing Trust Fund Commission.
The Park Place Housing project is a newly constructed transitional and supportive housing facility for families that are homeless or at risk of homelessness in the Fernwood neighbourhood of Victoria. The facility consists of six three-bedroom units. The residents have access through the Fernwood Neighbourhood Resource Group to off-site services including outreach, family support, licensed daycare, food, security and employment.
Other partners in the Park Place Housing project include the Real Estate Foundation of British Columbia, the United Way of Greater Victoria, the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), the Victoria Foundation and the Greater Victoria Real Estate Board.
CMHC provided an $87,000 interest-free Proposal Development Funding loan and a $10,000 Seed Funding grant. These repayable interest-free loans help with the up-front expenses incurred during the process of developing an affordable housing project proposal. CMHC's Seed Funding provides proponents with financial assistance to carry out these initial activities.
"Fernwood NRG is proud to have built six beautiful new units of affordable housing in Victoria" said Ms. Roberta Martell, Executive Director, Fernwood Neighbourhood Resource Group. "We would like to extend a warm welcome to Ministers Lunn and Chong and to all our partners who helped create this inspirational project."
"Our government is now investing more in affordable and supportive housing than any federal government in Canada's history. As a result, we are helping tens of thousands of Canadians reach better, more stable lives," said Minister Lunn.
The Homelessness Partnering Strategy is providing $269.6 million over two years to help communities across Canada combat homelessness more effectively. The Strategy 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 information 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
Jasmine MacDonnell
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister
Natural Resources Canada
Ottawa
613-996-2007
Background Information
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. Such partnerships will encourage a better alignment of federal and provincial/territorial investments, and help 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 first 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 Real 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.
Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation's Proposal Development Funding provides repayable interest-free loans to help with the up-front expenses incurred during the process of developing an affordable housing project proposal.
Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation's Seed Funding offers financial assistance to housing proponents who are in the early stages of developing an affordable housing project.
