REGINA, SASKATCHEWAN, April 13, 2010—The University of Regina, with support from the Government of Canada, will coordinate and share data on homelessness in Regina to help improve support services for people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness.
Mr. Tom Lukiwski, Parliamentary Secretary to the Leader of the Government in the House of Commons and Member of Parliament for Regina–Lumsden–Lake Centre, on behalf of the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development, today announced federal funding of $91,535 to the University of Regina, under the Government of Canada’s Homelessness Partnering Strategy (HPS).
“Our government is giving a hand-up to Canadians with housing needs and is helping those seeking to break free of the cycle of homelessness and poverty,” said Mr. Lukiwski. “We are pleased to partner with the University of Regina and support them in collecting the information needed to help design local solutions to homelessness in Regina.”
Using the Government of Canada’s Homeless Individuals and Families Information System, the University of Regina will coordinate the collection of data on Regina’s homeless population from emergency shelters and transitional/supportive housing, provide technical support to shelters using the system, and analyze the data to help determine community needs.
“The contribution agreement with the Government of Canada, through the HPS initiative, will continue our work at the University for a third year to better identify the needs of the homeless population in our community,” said Mr. Hirsch Greenberg, Practicum Coordinator at the University of Regina. “By understanding the needs of homeless or near-homeless individuals and families, our community is in a better position to make informed decisions on social and affordable housing alternatives.”
In September 2008, the Government of Canada announced an investment of $1.9 billion over five years for housing and homelessness programs for low-income Canadians. This commitment gives the Government the flexibility to work with the provinces and territories and municipalities, and with charitable organizations, to develop ways to improve the effectiveness of federal spending in the area of housing and homelessness.
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. The Government’s investments are creating jobs, stimulating local economies, and improving the quality of life for many Canadians. To learn more about Canada’s Economic Action Plan, please visit www.actionplan.gc.ca.
The availability of safe and stable housing and related supports is an important element in addressing homelessness and helping individuals who are homeless achieve greater self-sufficiency and a better quality of life. The Homelessness Partnering Strategy emphasizes longer-term supportive and transitional housing by focusing on a housing-first approach to help people make the transition out of the cycle of homelessness.
For more information on the Homelessness Partnering Strategy, please visit www.hrsdc.gc.ca/homelessness.
To obtain further information on the Homeless Individuals and Families Information System, please send an e-mail to the following address: hifis-sisa@hrsdc-rhdsc.gc.ca.
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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
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 61 communities across Canada. The HPS took effect April 1, 2007, with annual funding of $134.8 million for two years, and was extended in 2008 for a further two years until March 31, 2011.
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 not-for-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 (HIFIS)
- Surplus Federal Real Property for Homelessness Initiative
The HIFIS is a free user-friendly electronic records management system built for community stakeholders. It is used to collect information about who is using shelters, while assisting shelter staff in daily operations such as registering clients. The System assists communities with their long-term planning to address local challenges. The HIFIS also plays a critical role in building a national picture on homelessness.
For more information on the Homelessness Partnering Strategy and the seven funding streams, please visit the following Web site: www.hrsdc.gc.ca/homelessness.
