Regina, Saskatchewan, April 16, 2012—People who are homeless or at risk of homelessness inRegina will have access to improved support services. This announcement was made today by Tom Lukiwski, Member of Parliament for Regina–Lumsden–Lake Centre, on behalf of the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development.
“The Government of Canada is giving a hand-up to Canadians with housing needs and is helping people seeking to break free from the cycle of homelessness and poverty,” said Mr. Lukiwski. “We are pleased to partner with Carmichael Outreach in its effort to better prevent and address homelessness in Regina.”
“Due to the current crisis in Regina’s rental housing market, Carmichael Outreach has seen a steady increase in the demand for our services over the past few years. We are very grateful for the support we receive from Service Canada in our efforts to lessen the ill effects of Saskatchewan’s economic shift,” said Shawn Fraser, Executive Director ofCarmichaelOutreach. “The department’s flexibility and attentiveness to the real needs of the community we serve help us to put these resources to the best use possible.”
Carmichael Outreach will receive over $61,000 in Homelessness Partnering Strategy funding to help renovate its drop-in centre and improve its support services, including the purchase of a computer with Internet access to enable clients to search for housing. Clients who give back to Carmichael Outreach by volunteering at the drop-in centre will be referred to skills training opportunities to help them find jobs.
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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 effectApril 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 2, 2012, a total of 1 801 approved projects totalling over $642 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 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.
