Edmonton, Alberta, November 30, 2012—People who are homeless or at risk of homelessness will benefit from improved access to transitional housing thanks to renovations made to the Edmonton YMCA’s housing facility as a result of federal funding provided through Homeward Trust Edmonton. The announcement was made by the Honourable Tim Uppal, Minister of State (Democratic Reform) and Member of Parliament for Edmonton–Sherwood Park, on behalf of the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development.
“Our Government understands that having a safe and affordable place to call home is important to Canadian families and their communities,” said Minister Uppal. “Through investments like this one, we are helping vulnerable Canadians here in Edmonton and across the country to become self-sufficient and to fully participate in the economy.”
The YMCA, through Homeward Trust Edmonton, received Homelessness Partnering Strategy (HPS) funding of $250,000 to improve their four-floor housing facility by retrofitting an elevator. This renovation will allow better access to the facility, which offers transitional housing to people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness.
In September 2008, the Government of Canada committed to more than $1.9 billion in housing and homelessness programs over five years. As part of this commitment, the Government of Canada has renewed the HPS until March 2014.
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Homelessness Partnering Strategy
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.
Since the launch of the Homelessness Partnering Strategy (HPS) in April 2007, the Government has approved over $729 million for 2 220 projects to prevent and reduce homelessness across 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, please visit www.hrsdc.gc.ca/homelessness.
