HAMILTON, ONTARIO, January 20, 2011 - More people in need in the Hamilton area will have access to a new emergency shelter, as a result of the official opening of Mary's Place, which is part of the Good Shepherd Women's Centre. Mr. David Sweet, Member of Parliament for Ancaster-Dundas-Flamborough-Westdale, attended the grand opening today on behalf of the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development.
"Our government is assisting Canadians with housing needs, and is helping those seeking to break free from the cycle of homelessness and poverty," said Mr. Sweet. "We are pleased to celebrate with our partners the opening of Mary's Place. As a result of this new facility, more women and children who are victims of family violence will have access to safe temporary housing and counseling, so that they can move towards greater independence."
"Opening Mary's Place is a landmark event for our community," said Brother Richard MacPhee, Executive Director, Good Shepherd Women's Centre. "This new facility enables all of our women's services to address the needs of women and their children in a comprehensive and holistic way from one location."
The Government of Canada, through the Homelessness Partnering Strategy, provided over $2.4 million to Mary's Place to fund pre-development activities, land purchase and building construction. In addition, the Government provided $943,000 for the project through Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation's Shelter Enhancement Program. This new facility combines two shelters, Martha House and the former Mary's Place, increasing the total beds available from 38 to 60.
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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 designated 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 January 10, 2011, the Government has provided over $419 million in HPS funding for a total of 1 335 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.
Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation's Shelter Enhancement Program assists in repairing, rehabilitating and improving existing shelters for women and their children, youth or men who are victims of family violence. It also provides financial assistance for the acquisition or construction of new shelters and second-stage housing where needed.
