Government of Canada launches call for proposals for projects aimed at reducing and preventing homelessness in Newfoundland and Labrador
St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, July 19, 2012—The Government of Canada is currently accepting applications from organizations seeking Homelessness Partnering Strategy (HPS) funding for projects in rural and remote areas of Newfoundland and Labrador as of July 23, 2012.
The announcement was made today by Dr. Kellie Leitch, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development and to the Minister of Labour, on behalf of the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development.
“Our Government is giving a hand‑up to Canadians with housing needs and is helping to break the cycle of homelessness and poverty,” said Dr. Leitch. “We are proud to support organizations that are committed to addressing housing and homelessness issues in their communities.”Under the Rural and Remote Homelessness funding stream, priority will be given to projects with activities in communities with a population of 25 000 or less. Project activity must take place between September 29, 2012 and March 31, 2014. The application deadline is September 28, 2012.
For more information on the Homelessness Partnering Strategy or on how to apply for funding, please contact the Homelessness Partnering Strategy representative in your region.
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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
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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 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 includes a renewal of the HPS until March 2014.
As of July 16, 2012, a total of 2 047 approved projects totalling over $693 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 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.
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, which recognizes that housing stability is an important first step in addressing homelessness, and is necessary for the success of other interventions such as education and training, life skills development or management of mental health issues.
For more information on the HPS and the seven funding streams, visit www.hrsdc.gc.ca/homelessness.
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