Government of Canada helps Aboriginal people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness in Regina
Regina, Saskatchewan, October 23, 2012—Aboriginal people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness will have greater access to support services, announced Ray Boughen, Member of Parliament for Palliser, 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 Mr. Boughen. “By partnering with local organizations to provide essential services to people in need, we are doing our part to prevent and address homelessness in Regina.”
“The YMCA of Regina is proud to work with community-based organizations, such as Prairie Spirit Connections, whose services are vital to contributing to a sustainable and comprehensive continuum of supports to help those who are homeless or at risk of homelessness move towards self-sufficiency,” said Devlin Williams, Senior Director of Partnership Initiatives, YMCA of Regina.
Prairie Spirit Connections is receiving over $140,000 in additional Homelessness Partnering Strategy (HPS) funding, through the YMCA of Prince Albert, for its Aboriginal Transition Services project. As a result of this funding, Aboriginal people who are homeless or at risk will continue to receive help obtaining and maintaining housing, training to build self-esteem and develop life skills, and transportation to community support services. With today’s announcement, the Government of Canada will have invested a total of over $220, 000 in HPS funding for this project.
– 30-
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
Follow us on Twitter
—
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 visitwww.hrsdc.gc.ca/homelessness.
NT5
