Government of Canada helps people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness in the Chutes-de-la-Chaudière region Français
SAINT-ROMUALD, QC, Nov. 2, 2012 /CNW Telbec/ - People who are homeless or at risk of homelessness will have access to improved services, announced the Honourable Steven Blaney, Minister of Veterans Affairs and Member of Parliament for Lévis-Bellechasse, today on behalf of the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development.
"Our government is helping out Canadians to meet certain basic needs and break free from the cycle of homelessness and poverty," said Minister Blaney. "By working with Alliance-Jeunesse Chutes-de-la-Chaudière to provide essential services to people in need, we are helping to prevent and address homelessness in the Chutes-de-la-Chaudière region."
"With this contribution, Alliance-Jeunesse Chutes-de-la-Chaudière will be able to retain four resources," said the Housing Coordinator, Ms. Mélanie Boulanger. "We can thus meet an ever increasing demand for transitional housing in the region, while maintaining an excellent quality of services."
Alliance-Jeunesse Chutes-de-la-Chaudière is receiving $232,600 under the Homelessness Partnering Strategy (HPS). This funding will help youth who are homeless or at risk of homelessness acquire the tools and skills needed to obtain and maintain housing. Additional services will also be provided to help them meet certain fundamental needs and thus improve their quality of life.
In the spring of 2011, the Government of Canada and the Government of Quebec signed a collaborative agreement regarding the 2011-2014 Homelessness Partnering Strategy. The agreement takes into account the two governments' complementary policies and programs for fighting homelessness.
The Government of Quebec, in addition to the Government of Canada's financial contribution, provides up to 50 percent of funding to the community partners for all projects that are implemented under the designated communities component.
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 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 August 21, 2012, 2 197 approved projects totalling over $721 million have been 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, please visit www.hrsdc.gc.ca/homelessness.
SOURCE: HUMAN RESOURCES AND SKILLS DEVELOPMENT CANADA
This news release is available in alternative formats on request.
For further information (media only):
Marian Ngo
Office of Minister Finley
819-994-2482
Media Relations Office
Human Resources and Skills Development Canada
819-994-5559
IF THERE IS A DISCREPANCY BETWEEN ANY PRINTED VERSION AND THE ELECTRONIC VERSION OF THIS NEWS RELEASE, THE ELECTRONIC VERSION WILL PREVAIL.
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