KAMLOOPS, BRITISH COLUMBIA —Aboriginal families at risk of homelessness will have better access to support services, announced Cathy McLeod, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of National Revenue and Member of Parliament for Kamloops–Thompson–Cariboo, 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 those seeking to break free from the cycle of homelessness and poverty,” said Ms. McLeod. “Through this investment, the White Buffalo Aboriginal Health and Resource Society will help Aboriginal families retain their housing and improve their life skills.”

"We at White Buffalo would like to thank the federal government for giving us this opportunity to further support urban Aboriginal people and communities,” said Deborah Canada, Executive Director, and Jeanie Cardinal, Manager of Operations, on behalf of the White Buffalo Aboriginal Health and Resource Society. "The funding allows us to work towards reducing risks of housing loss and homelessness, and improve skills and abilities of Aboriginal people to retain housing and manage life issues through education, workshops and one-to-one supports."

Homelessness Partnering Strategy funding of over $35,000 will be used by the organization to provide support to 125 individuals who are at risk of homelessness. With this funding, the organization will develop a referral system in partnership with Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal stakeholders.

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 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 June 6, 2011, the Government has provided over $633 million in HPS funding for a total of 1 745 projects to prevent and reduce homelessness in Canada.

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.

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 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 uses a housing-first approach, recognizing that the first step 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.