MEDICINE HAT, ALBERTA, March 17, 2011 - Individuals in Medicine Hat who are homeless or at risk of homelessness and working towards building a stronger future for themselves will get the help they require, thanks to support from the Government of Canada. Mr. LaVar Payne, Member of Parliament for Medicine Hat, 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. Payne. "We are pleased to support the Medicine Hat Community Housing Society in its efforts to find local solutions to local problems. Working together, we will be able to create community projects and partnerships to improve services and facilities for our most vulnerable citizens."
"We would like to thank the Government of Canada for its support of our homelessness projects that target youth and prevention efforts as part of our five-year plan to end the trap of homelessness in our community," said Ms. Tracy Flaherty-Willmott, Manager, Homeless and Community Housing Department, Medicine Hat Community Housing Society (MHCHS). "MHCHS and its community-based partners are committed to finding solutions to the housing and support needs of the most vulnerable citizens in Medicine Hat."
The Medicine Hat Community Housing Society will receive over $764,000 in Homelessness Partnering Strategy funding, which it will distribute over the next three years to local organizations for projects that will develop and provide shelters and support services for homeless and at-risk individuals and families.
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This news release is available in alternative formats upon request.
For further information (media only):
Ryan Sparrow
Director of Communications
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 March 14, 2011, the Government has provided over $438 million in HPS funding for a total of 1 358 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 HPS provides the support that our community partners are seeking.
The HPS uses a housing-first approach, recognizing that the first step is to provide individuals with transitional and supportive housing.
For more information on the HPS and the seven funding streams, please visit the following website: www.hrsdc.gc.ca/homelessness.
