GRANBY, QUEBEC, DECEMBER 6, 2010-Men from the Granby region who are homeless will benefit from an improved and more accessible emergency shelter, thanks to support from the Government of Canada. The Honourable Christian Paradis, Minister of Natural Resources and Minister responsible for Quebec, 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 Minister Paradis. "This investment will enable Le Passant to improve the support services and activities provided at its emergency shelter."
"As a result of this support, Le Passant has consolidated its resources, which has allowed the organization to increase the shelter's capacity and thereby improve service to clients," said Mr. Yves Longpré, Director General of Le Passant. "We can thus meet the increasingly growing demands in the region for emergency shelters, while maintaing an excellent quality of service."
Le Passant will receive more than $245,700 through the Government of Canada's Homelessness Partnering Strategy, which will enable the organization to retain employees who work in the emergency shelter and hire three additional employees. By retaining and hiring employees, the organization will be able to better meet the needs of individuals using the shelter and increase its security.
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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. This includes a renewal of the HPS until March 2014.
As of November 8, 2010, the Government has provided over $417 million in HPS funding for a total of 1 320 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.