MERRICKVILLE, ONTARIO, November 8, 2010 - At least 300 rural youth in three different regions of Canada will get help to avoid homelessness as a result of support from the Government of Canada. Mr. Gordon Brown, Member of Parliament for Leeds-Grenville, made the announcement today on behalf of the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development.
"Our government is giving a hand-up to Canadians with housing needs, and is helping those seeking to break free from the cycle of homelessness and poverty," said Mr. Brown. "We are pleased to partner with Town Youth Participation Strategies. Through this project, we will help vulnerable rural youth tackle the obstacles that can lead to homelessness, helping them move towards self-sufficiency."
Through the Homelessness Partnering Strategy, Town Youth Participation Strategies, an organization based in Merrickville, is receiving close to $225,000 to develop and test the My Agenda Plan project. The project will be implemented in three rural youth centres located in Yellowknife, Northwest Territories; Grand Falls, Newfoundland and Labrador; and Portage la Prairie, Manitoba. As part of this project, youth will work with participants to help them obtain necessary resources such as personal identification and contact information, a bank account, educational records, a résumé, and a one- and five-year personal goals plan.
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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. In September 2008, the Government committed to investing more than $1.9 billion in housing and homelessness programs over five years, until March 2014. As of October 4, 2010, a total of 1,310 approved projects totalling over $415 million were funded under the HPS to prevent and reduce homelessness in Canada.
As of October 4, 2010, the Government has provided over $415 million in HPS funding for a total of 1 310 projects to prevent and reduce homelessness in Canada.
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.
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 Government's investments are creating jobs, stimulating local economies and improving the quality of life for many Canadians.
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 website: www.hrsdc.gc.ca/homelessness.
