Kamloops, British Columbia, May 24, 2012—The Government of Canada is helping organizations in Kamloops to deliver important services in support of vulnerable people in the community. This announcement was made today by Cathy McLeod, Member of Parliament for Kamloops–Thompson–Cariboo, 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 Ms. McLeod. “We are pleased to support the City of Kamloops in finding local solutions to local problems.”
The Homelessness Partnering Strategy (HPS) is investing over $230,000 in seven projects in Kamloops. This funding will be used by local organizations for a range of support services, from emergency shelter to skills training.
The announcement took place at the Canadian Mental Health Association, which is receiving funding from the Government of Canada for one of the seven projects. The organization is receiving $43,000 to convert a former hotel into the Emerald Centre emergency shelter. This new facility will provide basic food and shelter services, as well as assistance with housing placement and retention for people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness in Kamloops.
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This news release is available in alternative formats upon request.
For further information (media only):
Marian Ngo
Office of Minister Finley
819-994-2482
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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. TheHPStook 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 theHPSuntil March 2014.
As of May 7, 2012, 2 026 approved projects totalling over $685 million have been funded under theHPSto prevent and reduce homelessness in Canada.
TheHPSprovides 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 in 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. TheHPSprovides the support that our community partners are seeking.
TheHPSencourages a housing-first approach, which recognizes that housing stability is an important first step in addressing homelessness, and is necessary for the success of other interventions such as education and training, life skills development or management of mental health issues.
For more information on the HPSand the seven funding streams, please visit www.hrsdc.gc.ca/homelessness.
PROJECTS RECEIVING HOMELESSNESS PARTNERING STRATEGY FUNDING IN KAMLOOPS
- The New Life Mission will receive over $30,000 for its Employment Assistance Services project, which provides employment counselling, skills training and support services to people who struggle with addiction.
- The Kamloops and District Seniors Outreach Services Society will receive over $46,000 for its At Home Outreach Project, which offers support services and emergency shelter to seniors who are homeless or at risk of homelessness.
- Interior Community Services will receive over $26,000 to provide support and outreach services to youth in Kamloops who are homeless or at risk of homelessness.
- The Canadian Mental Health Association will receive over $43,000 to purchase furniture for 11 single-occupancy rooms in order to increase the overall capacity of its shelter to 50 beds per night.
- The Door to Roof Society will receive over $29,000 to provide support services to people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. They will also replace appliances as required for tenants of the supportive housing units. These appliances will include six refrigerators, eight stoves and one air conditioning unit.
- The White Buffalo Aboriginal Health Society and Resource Centre will receive over $26,000 to provide skills training, emergency housing assistance and other support services to Aboriginal people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness.
- The Interior Indian Friendship Centre will receive over $28,000 to provide housing stability, support services and skills training to people who face barriers to employment.
