Government of Canada takes action to address homelessness in Kelowna
May 3, 2015– Kelowna, British Columbia – Employment and Social Development Canada
The Harper Government has provided funding that will prevent and combat homelessness in Kelowna. Ron Cannan, Member of Parliament for Kelowna–Lake Country, made the announcement today on behalf of the Honourable Candice Bergen, Minister of State for Social Development.
Through the Homelessness Partnering Strategy (HPS), the Central Okanagan Foundation is receiving more than $2.7 million over five years to support projects that prevent and reduce homelessness in the Kelowna area, including projects that address the needs of the Aboriginal homeless population.
Mr. Cannan also announced that, through this funding, four organizations are receiving a total of more than $739,000 over two years from the Central Okanagan Foundation:
• The Ki-Low-Na Friendship Society is receiving over $150,000 to provide outreach services to help people access long-term housing and support services such as health care and mental health and addictions treatment.
• The Canadian Mental Health Association Kelowna and District Branch is receiving over $185,000 to help people access the resources they need to find and maintain housing.
• The New Opportunities for Women Canada Society is receiving over $145,000 for its two programs that provide support for people recovering from addiction, abuse and exploitation.
• The Okanagan Boys and Girls Clubs is receiving over $257,000 to provide individualized services to help youth who are homeless increase their self-sufficiency.
Housing First is the cornerstone of the Government’s renewed HPS. It aims to stabilize the lives of homeless individuals for the long term by first moving them into permanent housing and then providing additional support for underlying issues, such as addiction and mental health. The end goal is ensuring these individuals become self sufficient, fully participating members of society.
Through the HPS, the Government of Canada works with other levels of government, communities and organizations to develop and invest in local solutions to combat homelessness. The Government recently announced the renewal of the HPS with an investment of nearly $600 million in funding over five years, until March 2019.
Today’s announcement is one example of what the Government is doing to help Canadians. To help hard-working families, the Government is also enhancing the Universal Child Care Benefit, introducing the Family Tax Cut and making improvements to the Child Care Expenses Deduction and the Children’s Fitness Tax Credit.
Quick Facts
- Since the launch of the HPS in April 2007, nearly 35,000 Canadians who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless have benefitted from education and training opportunities; over 34,000 have received help to find work; and more than 6,000 new shelter beds have been created.
- Through Economic Action Plan 2014, the Government is building on its previous efforts and partnerships to implement the evidence-based Housing First approach across Canada, which has proven to be the most effective approach in reducing homelessness.
- The Universal Child Care Benefit would increase from $100 to $160 per month (totalling up to $1,920 per year) for children under the age of 6, and parents would receive a new benefit of $60 per month (up to $720 per year) for each child aged 6 through 17.
Quotes
“We are pleased to partner with the Central Okanagan Foundation and local organizations on initiatives that help prevent homelessness. Our goal for individuals coming out of homelessness is for them to thrive and secure employment so they can contribute their skills and talents to our communities.”
– The Honourable Candice Bergen, Minister of State for Social Development
“Our Government is proud to support the Central Okanagan Foundation, as well as its local partners, and all the work they do in our communities. With a roof over their heads, all Canadians can prosper as we work together towards eliminating homelessness.”
– Ron Cannan, Member of Parliament for Kelowna–Lake Country
“We are grateful for the continued partnership opportunity with the Government of Canada to make a real difference here in the city of Kelowna.”
– Cheryl Miller, Director of Grants and Community Initiatives, Central Okanagan Foundation
Associated Links
Homelessness Partnering Strategy
Contacts
Media Relations Office
Employment and Social Development Canada
819-994-5559
media@hrsdc-rhdcc.gc.ca
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