Brandon, Manitoba, March 27, 2012—Rural communities across the country will have access to valuable homelessness research funded by the Government of Canada. This announcement was made today by Merv Tweed, Member of Parliament for Brandon–Souris, on behalf of the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development.
“The Government of Canada is committed to helping Canadians with housing needs and people seeking to break free from the cycle of homelessness and poverty," said Mr. Tweed. "We are pleased to partner with Brandon University in its effort to improve homelessness prevention by expanding our knowledge of its causes.”
“We are very appreciative of the funding support from Human Resources and Skills Development Canada. The leadership shown through the establishment of the Homelessness Partnering Strategy is important for all Canadians,” said Scott Grills, Vice-President (Academic and Research) ofBrandonUniversity. “The research to be undertaken through these two projects will contribute to our understanding of youth-at-risk mobility, migration and homelessness and issues of particular relevance to those in rural and northern communities. I congratulate Drs. Rempel and Robinson on their successes and look forward to the work to follow.”
Brandon University will receive over $103,000 in Homelessness Partnering Strategy funding to research how migration in and out of rural and remote communities impacts homelessness. Findings will be shared with communities and service providers across the country with the goal of improving targeted interventions for vulnerable Canadians.
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This news release is available in alternative formats upon request.
For further information (media only):
Alyson Queen
Director of Communications
Office of Minister Finley
819-994-2482
Media Relations Office
Human Resources and Skills Development Canada
819-994-5559
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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 12, 2012, a total of 1 771 approved projects totalling over $638 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 homelessness 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, 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 HPSand the seven funding streams, please visit www.hrsdc.gc.ca/homelessness.
