Government of Canada helps people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness in the Lévis area

LÉVIS, QC, June 8, 2012 /CNW Telbec/ - People who are homeless or at risk of homelessness will have access to better services, announced the Honourable Steven Blaney, Minister of Veterans Affairs and Member of Parliament for Lévis-Bellechasse, on behalf of the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development.

"Our government is giving a hand-up to Canadians with basic needs and is helping to break the cycle of homelessness and poverty," said Minister Blaney. "We are pleased to partner with Comptoir Le Grenier. By working together to offer essential services to those in need, we are doing our part to reduce and prevent homelessness in the Lévis area."

"Thanks to this funding, Comptoir Le Grenier expects to help more than 150 recipients per week over the length of the agreement," said Yvon Gosselin, chair of the organization's board of directors. "This will enable us to help meet the region's ever-increasing need for food support while maintaining high-quality service."

From April 1, 2012, to March 31, 2014, Comptoir Le Grenier will use the $40,000 in funding to provide food-support services and improve the living conditions of the homeless and those at risk of homelessness.

In the spring of 2011, the Government of Canada and the Government of Quebec signed a collaboration agreement with regard to the Homelessness Partnering Strategy (HPS) 2011-2014. The agreement takes into account the complementarity with the Government of Quebec's programs and policies as related to homelessness.

The Government of Quebec, in addition to the financial contribution of the Government of Canada, provides up to 50% of the funding to the community partners for all projects implemented under the HPS-designated communities.

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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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 included a renewal of the HPS until March 2014.

As of June 4, 2012, a total of 2,037 approved projects totalling over $687 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 achieve self-sufficiency and participate fully 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, 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 the offer of stable housing is an essential first step in addressing homelessness, and is necessary for the success of other interventions such as education and training, life skills development or the management of mental health issues.

For more information on the HPS and the seven funding streams, visit www.hrsdc.gc.ca/homelessness.

 

This news release is available in alternative formats upon request.

media only:
Marian Ngo
Office of Minister Finley
819-994-2482

Media Relations Office
Human Resources and Skills Development Canada
819-994-5559
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