Regina, Saskatchewan, April 18, 2012—People who are homeless or at risk of homelessness will have greater access to support services and skills training, announced Ray Boughen, Member of Parliament for Palliser, 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. Boughen. “We are pleased to partner with the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) Regina Branch. By working together, we are creating community projects and partnerships to improve and create support services for homeless and at-risk individuals.”
“CMHA Regina works with the most stigmatized, marginalized and misunderstood segment of those who wish to enter the workforce. We’re proud of our work with the Homelessness Partnership Strategy, and our partnerships with the Ranch Ehrlo Society and Phoenix Residential Society,” said Donna Brewer, Executive Director of the CMHA Regina Branch. “A history of mental illness places people at greater risk for homelessness. This program will provide vocational support for this at-risk group and recognizes the importance of work to those who have a mental illness. Job training in the laundromat will not only provide a service to the community, but will also provide an opportunity for our members to build new skills.”
The CMHA Regina Branch is receiving Homelessness Partnering Strategy funding of just over $70,000 to support people with chronic mental illness who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. Through their project, the CMHA will provide support services and life skills training to help people overcome barriers to employment, by providing training and experience through the operation of a laundromat.
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For further information (media only):
Marian Ngo
Office of Minister Finley
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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.
