PETERBOROUGH, ONTARIO, March 17, 2011 - Families and individuals in Peterborough working towards building a stronger future for themselves are getting help from the Government of Canada. Mr. Dean Del Mastro, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Canadian Heritage and Member of Parliament for Peterborough, 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. Del Mastro. "We are pleased to support the United Way of Peterborough and District in its efforts to find local solutions to local problems. By working together, we are creating community projects and partnerships to improve and develop services and facilities for homeless and at-risk individuals."
"Over the past three years, the Homelessness Partnering Strategy has enabled our community to make real and measurable differences addressing homelessness in our community," said Ms. Heather Zak, Chief Executive Officer, United Way of Peterborough and District. "Since spring of 2008, almost 500 individuals affected by homelessness have been served. The program in our community funded by the HPS has helped people living on the streets find a place to live, helped others avoid homelessness, and supported many in accessing help needed to improve quality of life. This program demonstrates how government at any level, working together with community, can have an impact on priority issues."
From April 1, 2011, to March 31, 2014, the United Way of Peterborough and District will distribute Homelessness Partnering Strategy funding of $395,181 to local organizations for the development of transitional, supportive or emergency housing and support services for people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness in Peterborough.
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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 7, 2011, a total of 1 356 approved projects totalling over $421 million were funded under the HPS 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.
For more information on the Homelessness Partnering Strategy and the seven funding streams, please visit the following website: www.hrsdc.gc.ca/homelessness.
