EDMONTON, March 15, 2013 /CNW/ - On behalf of the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development, the Honourable Tim Uppal, Minister of State (Democratic Reform) and Member of Parliament for Edmonton-Sherwood Park, today announced that vulnerable people in Edmonton will have greater access to housing and support services, as a result of a new investment provided to Homeward Trust Edmonton.
"Our Government is giving a hand up to vulnerable Canadians to help them meet certain basic needs and break free from the cycle of homelessness and poverty. We are pleased to support Homeward Trust Edmonton in its efforts to find local solutions to local problems," said Minister Uppal. "By partnering with local organizations to provide essential services to people in need, we are doing our part to prevent and address homelessness in Alberta."
"We are thrilled to continue partnering with this program that supports local strategies and solutions," said Susan McGee, CEO of Homeward Trust Edmonton. "The Government's Homelessness Partnering Strategy has provided funding for capital housing projects, research and community planning for over a decade and it has been essential towards ending homelessness in Edmonton."
Homeward Trust Edmonton will distribute Homelessness Partnering Strategy (HPS) funding of more than $19.4 million to local organizations. This funding will help provide stable and affordable housing, as well as support services, to people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness in Edmonton, including vulnerable Aboriginal people.
This amount represents over $16.7 million in HPS Designated Communities funding, and over $2.7 million in HPS Aboriginal Homelessness funding.
In September 2008, the Government committed to more than $1.9 billion in housing and homelessness programs over five years. As part of this commitment, the Government of Canada has renewed the HPS until March 2014.
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backgrounder
Homelessness Partnering Strategy
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.
In September 2008, the Government committed to investing more than $1.9 billion in housing and homelessness programs over five years. This includes a renewal of the HPS until March 2014.
Since the launch of the Homelessness Partnering Strategy (HPS) in April 2007, the Government has approved over $736 million for projects to prevent and reduce homelessness across 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
media only:
Alyson Queen
Director of Communications
Office of Minister Finley
819-994-2482
Media Relations Office
Human Resources and Skills Development Canada
819-994-5559
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