Waterloo, Ontario, January 14, 2013—A new study to identify effective ways to address family homelessness will help improve support services aimed at Waterloo region families who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. Peter Braid, Member of Parliament for Kitchener-Waterloo, made the announcement today on behalf of the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development.
“Our government is supporting vulnerable Canadians by helping them to break free from the cycle of homelessness and poverty,” said Mr. Braid. “We are pleased to partner with the Regional Municipality of Waterloo in its efforts to find local solutions to local problems. Through partnerships like this one, we are helping to raise awareness of, and prevent homelessness among, families in the Waterloo region.”
“This project will allow the region to gather information and engage with community partners and with families who have experienced homelessness to better understand the issues and how they can be addressed,” said Lynn Randall, Director of Social Planning, Policy and Program Administration, Regional Municipality of Waterloo. “Ultimately, this project will assist our community as well as other communities towards ending family homelessness. This project would not have been possible without the support of the federal government.”
The Homelessness Partnering Strategy (HPS) funding of $64,000 will be used by the Regional Municipality of Waterloo for its study on family homelessness. The project’s goal is to identify effective approaches to address homelessness among families in the Waterloo region. Findings will be shared with communities across Canada to help improve services and programs to better meet families’ housing needs in their respective region.
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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For further information (media only):
Marian Ngo
Press Secretary
Office of Minister Finley
819-994-2482
Media Relations Office
Human Resources and Skills Development Canada
819-994-5559
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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. This includes a renewal of the HPS until March 2014.
Since the launch of the Homelessness Partnering Strategy (HPS) in April 2007, the Government has approved over $731 million for more than 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.
