Government of Canada provides support to British Columbian families in need

January 25, 2010

KAMLOOPS, BRITISH COLUMBIA — The Government of Canada is helping those who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless build a stronger future for themselves.

Today, Ms. Cathy McLeod, Member of Parliament for Kamloops–Thompson–Cariboo, on behalf of the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development, announced support to the Interior Indian Friendship Society for its Homeless at Risk Training and Services Program in Kamloops.

“Our government is supporting many Canadians with housing needs and those seeking to break free from the cycle of homelessness and poverty,” said Ms. McLeod. “Through this investment, the Interior Indian Friendship Society will be able to provide life and employment skills courses and workshops and a more successful future.”

Through this investment of close to $105,000, the organization will deliver certificate courses and workshops on life skills and tenancy over a 15-month period. All services will focus on the prevention of homelessness.

This funding will also be used to hire a project coordinator to conduct landlord and tenant mediation for 75 individuals who are at risk of imminent homelessness in order to assist them in maintaining their tenancy.

“This program is designed to help our clients develop the necessary life and practical skills that will increase their employability and reduce the likelihood of homelessness,” said Mr. Christopher Phillips, Executive Director of the Interior Indian Friendship Society. “The funding provided by the Government of Canada will enable us to help our clients support themselves, providing benefits to both themselves and their communities.”

In September 2008, the Government of Canada announced an investment of $1.9 billion over five years for housing and homelessness programs for low‑income Canadians. This commitment gives the Government the flexibility to work with the provinces and territories and municipalities, and with charitable organizations, to develop ways to improve the effectiveness of federal spending in the area of housing and homelessness.

This ongoing funding will ensure that the Government can continue to assist those who need support, including homeless people and those at risk of homelessness, such as low-income Canadians, seniors, persons with disabilities, recent immigrants and Aboriginal people.

Canada’s Economic Action Plan is building on these investments by making an additional one‑time investment of more than $2 billion over two years in new and existing social housing, and by making available up to $2 billion in loans to Canadian municipalities over two years for housing‑related infrastructure improvements. The Government’s investments are creating jobs, stimulating local economies and improving the quality of life for many Canadians. To learn more about Canada’s Economic Action Plan, please visit www.actionplan.gc.ca.

The availability of safe and 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 Homelessness Partnering Strategy emphasizes longer‑term supportive and transitional housing by focusing on a housing‑first approach to help people make the transition out of the cycle of homelessness.

For more information on the Homelessness Partnering Strategy, please visit www.hrsdc.gc.ca/homelessness.



Backgrounder

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 communities across Canada. The HPS took effect April 1, 2007, with annual funding of $134.8 million for two years, and was extended in 2008 for a further two years until March 31, 2011. 

The HPS provides structures and supports that help people who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless 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. 

By working with all our partners, we will maximize results to make a lasting difference in the lives of vulnerable Canadians. The Homelessness Partnering Strategy provides the support that our community partners are seeking.

The Homelessness Partnering Strategy uses a housing-first approach, recognizing that the first step is to provide individuals with transitional and supportive housing.

The HPS has seven funding streams:

• Regionally Delivered:
• Designated Communities
• Outreach Communities
• Aboriginal Communities

Nationally Delivered:

• Federal Horizontal Pilot Projects
• Homelessness Knowledge Development
• Homeless Individuals and Families Information System 
• Surplus Federal Real Property for Homelessness Initiative

For more information on the Homelessness Partnering Strategy and the seven funding streams, please visit the following Web site: www.hrsdc.gc.ca/homelessness.