PLESSISVILLE, QC, April 18, 2012 /CNW Telbec/ - Through support from the Government of Canada, people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness will have greater access to support services and skills training. The Honourable Christian Paradis, Minister of Industry, Minister of State (Agriculture) and Member of Parliament for Mégantic-L'Érable, made the announcement today on behalf of the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development.
"We are pleased to partner with the Organisme de Récupération Anti-Pauvreté de l'Érable (ORAPÉ)," said Minister Paradis. "Through partnerships like these, we are helping vulnerable Canadians to meet their own basic needs, as well as develop the skills and experience they need to prepare for the workforce and find jobs."
"In 20 years, ORAPÉ has become a centre for public education, food safety reference and anti poverty work," stated its Director General, Mr. Pierre Caluori. "Social integration projects like work placement and the soup kitchen will be included in the improvement of services for low-income families in the Érable RCM."
Over the next year, Homelessness Partnering Strategy funding of over $80,000 will be used by ORAPÉ to assist people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness by offering support services, including basic care, food and program referrals.
ORAPÉ will also receive over $82,000 in federal Skills Link funding for its project that will help eight youth overcome barriers to employment. The project participants will attend skills workshops on topics such as effective communication and problem solving. Following the workshops, they will put their new skills into practice and gain valuable experience through work placements.
This news release is available in alternative formats upon request.
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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 provides structures and supports that help people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness 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.
For more information on the HPS, please visit www.hrsdc.gc.ca/homelessness.
With annual funding of more than $300 million, the Youth Employment Strategy (YES) helps youth, particularly those facing barriers to employment, obtain career information, develop employment skills, find jobs and stay employed. YES includes the Skills Link and Career Focus programs and the Canada Summer Jobs initiative, which creates thousands of job opportunities for students every summer.
Economic Action Plan 2012 proposes an additional $50 million over two years to enhance YES so that more young people can gain tangible skills and experience.
To learn more about Canada's Youth Employment Strategy and other youth employment initiatives, please visit Youth.gc.ca.
(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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