Winnipeg, Manitoba, May 22, 2012—Local people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness will have greater access to support services, announced Lawrence Toet, Member of Parliament for Elmwood–Transcona, 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 those seeking to break free from the cycle of homelessness and poverty,” said Mr. Toet. “We are pleased to be partnering with the Main Street Project to help prevent and reduce homelessness in the community.”
“This program, which serves hundreds of clients a year, allows those who would not be able to access the services of an occupational therapist to have their ever-changing needs assessed and addressed, “said Catherine Carney White, Executive Director, Main Street Project. “The activities planned with clients are tailored to meet the needs of those who are differently abled, while improving their quality of life.”
The Main Street Project received over $64,000 in Homelessness Partnering Strategy funding to provide life skills and employment training to vulnerable people, as well as to help them with referrals to health services and housing placements.
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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 May 7, 2012, 2 026 approved projects totalling over $685 million have been 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, 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 HPS and the seven funding streams, please visit www.hrsdc.gc.ca/homelessness.
