Saint John, New Brunswick, May 11, 2012—Expectant and new mothers who are homeless will now have shelter and access to programs and support services, announced Rodney Weston, Member of Parliament for Saint John, 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 is helping to break the cycle of homelessness and poverty,” said Rodney Weston. “We are pleased to partner with First Steps Housing Project Inc. Through partnerships like this one, we are providing vulnerable women with the help they need.”
“First Steps will be celebrating its tenth anniversary this month”, said Sharon Amirault, Executive Director, First Steps Housing Project Inc. “For 10 years now, we have been supporting women and children through our first and second steps housing program, outreach services, as well as school, daycare and child development programs. These programs have helped women obtain a better quality of life for themselves and their children. We are grateful for the Homelessness Partnering Strategy and what it has helped us accomplish.”
Homelessness Partnering Strategy (HPS) funding of $80,000 will be used by First Steps Housing Project Inc. to help women and their babies with shelter and transitional housing. The women will be offered programs and services on parenting and employment skills, addiction and mental health issues, and the opportunity to continue their education.
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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, a total of 2 026 approved projects totalling over $685 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 HPS and the seven funding streams, please visit www.hrsdc.gc.ca/homelessness.
