Thetford Mines, Quebec, June 27, 2012—People who are homeless or at risk of homelessness will benefit from better services in the years to come, announced the Honourable Christian Paradis, Minister of Industry, Minister of State (Agriculture) and Member of Parliament for Mégantic–L’Érable, on behalf of the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development.
“Our government is giving a hand up to Canadians to help them meet certain basic needs and break free from the cycle of homelessness and poverty,” said Minister Paradis. “By partnering with the Centre Domrémy des Appalaches inc. to provide essential services to people in need, we are helping to prevent and address homelessness in the Thetford Mines area.”
“Thanks to this contribution, Centre Domrémy des Appalaches inc. will be able to keep a front-line worker on staff,” explains Pierre Lessard, Director of the Centre. “This means we will be able to respond to a constant need on the transitional shelter plan across the region, all the while maintaining excellent service quality.”
The Centre Domrémy des Appalaches inc. will receive more than $50,000 as part of the Homelessness Partnering Strategy to provide housing placement services to people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness and who are also struggling with addiction. The Centre will also offer other support services to meet some of their basic needs and to improve their quality of life and facilitate their social integration.
In the spring of 2011, the Government of Canada and the Government of Quebec signed a collaborative agreement regarding the 2011–2014 Homelessness Partnership Strategy (HPS). The agreement takes into account the Government of Quebec’s complementary programs and policies related to homelessness.
In addition to the financial contribution of the Government of Canada, the Government of Quebec provides up to 50 percent of the funding to community partners for all projects implemented in HPS‑designated communities.
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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 on 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. A renewal of the HPS extended that commitment to March 2014.
As of June 4, 2012, 2 037 approved projects totalling over $687 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 to achieve self-sufficiency and participate fully in society. This model seeks to address homelessness by working in partnership with the provinces and territories and 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 housing stability is an important first step in addressing homelessness. It is also necessary for the success of other interventions such as education and training, the development of life skills and the management of mental health issues.
For more information on the HPS and the seven funding streams, visit www.hrsdc.gc.ca/homelessness.
