Nelson, British Columbia, April 18, 2012—Local individuals who are homeless or at risk of homelessness will have greater access to support services, announced David Wilks, Member of Parliament for Kootenay–Columbia, 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 helping break the cycle of homelessness and poverty,” said Mr. Wilks. “We are pleased to partner with the Nelson CARES Society. By working together, we are helping people move towards self-sufficiency.”
"This funding will allow us to help people struggling to find or keep housing here in Nelson," said Jenny Robinson, Executive Director, Nelson CARES Society. "Housing is a fundamental need, and can be the first step to an individual becoming independent and contributing to the community at large."
The Nelson CARES Society is receiving Homelessness Partnering Strategy funding of $81,000 for two projects. A transition support worker will be hired to help people in need find and maintain housing, as well as gain access to basic needs such as food. In addition, a community coordinator will also collect and share information about homelessness in Nelson, in order to improve local services and future community planning.
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For further information (media only):
Marian Ngo
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 April 16, 2012, a total of 1 877 approved projects totalling over $652 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 encourages a housing-first approach, recognizing that an important first step in addressing homelessness 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.
