REGINA, SASKATCHEWAN, October 13, 2009—The Government of Canada is helping those who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless build a stronger future for themselves.
Mr. Andrew Scheer, Member of Parliament for Regina–Qu’Appelle, on behalf of the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development, announced today that a Homelessness Partnering Strategy investment will be used to help construct the support service area in a new local housing facility.
“Our government is supporting many Canadians with housing needs and is fulfilling our commitment to help those seeking to break free of the cycle of homelessness and poverty,” said Mr. Scheer. “Through this investment, Ehrlo Community Services will be able to help adults who are homeless or at risk of being homeless, and who have chronic mental health challenges.”
With this investment of $603,786, Ehrlo Community Services will construct and develop the support service area in a new supportive housing complex that will help homeless and at-risk individuals live independently in the community.
“The strength of this project is based on strong partnerships between all levels of government, the health region, Phoenix Residential Society, and Ehrlo Community Services,” said Mr. Malcolm Neill, Vice-President of Ehrlo Community Services. “This project also addresses a priority population identified in the Regina Community Plan 2007.”
In September 2008, the Government of Canada announced $1.9 billion over five years for housing and homelessness programs for low-income Canadians. This commitment provides the Government with the flexibility to work with the provinces and territories, municipalities and charitable organizations to develop ways to improve the effectiveness of federal spending in the area of housing and homelessness.
This ongoing funding will ensure that the Government can continue to assist those who need support, including homeless people and those at risk of homelessness—low-income Canadians, seniors, people with disabilities, recent immigrants and Aboriginal Canadians.
Canada’s Economic Action Plan is building on these investments by making an additional one-time investment of more than $2 billion over two years in new and existing social housing, and by making available up to $2 billion in loans to Canadian municipalities over two years for housing-related infrastructure improvements. To learn more about Canada’s Economic Action Plan, visit www.actionplan.gc.ca.
The provision of safe and stable housing and related supports is an important element for addressing homelessness and helping individuals achieve greater self‑sufficiency and improved quality of life. The Homelessness Partnering Strategy therefore places an emphasis on longer-term transitional and supportive housing through a housing-first approach to help people overcome homelessness.
For more information on the Homelessness Partnering Strategy, please visit www.hrsdc.gc.ca/homelessness.
- 30 -
This news release is available in alternative formats upon request.
For further information (media only):
Michelle Bakos
Press Secretary
Office of Minister Finley
819-994-2482
National Media Relations Office
Human Resources and Skills Development Canada
819-994-5559
The Homelessness Partnering Strategy (HPS) is a unique community-based program aimed at preventing and reducing homelessness by providing direct support and funding to more than 60 communities across Canada. The HPS took effect April 1, 2007, with annual funding of $134.8 million for two years. Funding for housing and homelessness programs has been extended for another five years, until March 31, 2014.
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. This model seeks to address homelessness by working in partnership with the provinces and territories, other federal departments, as well as with communities and the private and non-profit sectors. By working with all our partners, we will maximize results to make a lasting difference in the lives of vulnerable Canadians. The Homelessness Partnering Strategy provides the support that our community partners are seeking.
The Homelessness Partnering Strategy uses a housing-first approach, recognizing that the first step is to provide individuals with transitional and supportive housing.
The HPS has seven funding streams:
Regionally Delivered:
- Designated Communities
- Outreach Communities
- Aboriginal Communities
Nationally Delivered:
- Federal Horizontal Pilot Projects
- Homelessness Knowledge Development
- Homeless Individuals and Families Information System
- Surplus Federal Real Property for Homelessness Initiative
For more information on the Homelessness Partnering Strategy and the seven funding streams, please visit the following Web site: www.hrsdc.gc.ca/homelessness.
