Harper Government invests in housing in Prince Albert

April 7, 2015 – Prince Albert, Saskatchewan – Employment and Social Development Canada

The Harper Government has provided funding for a project that will prevent and combat homelessness in Prince Albert. Randy Hoback, Member of Parliament for Prince Albert, made the announcement today on behalf of the Honourable Candice Bergen, Minister of State for Social Development, at an event hosted by P.A. Community Housing Society Inc. to celebrate the grand opening of its new housing facility.

With funding of over $2.1 million provided by the Government of Canada’s Homelessness Partnering Strategy (HPS), P.A. Community Housing Society purchased land and constructed and furnished Whisper Way, a transitional housing complex for Aboriginal people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness, especially those with acquired brain injuries or mental health issues.

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 HPS with an investment of nearly $600 million in funding over five years, until March 2019.

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 almost 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 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. It has proven to be the most effective approach in reducing homelessness.
• The Government announced in January that it is providing additional Homelessness Partnering Strategy funding of more than $1.8 million over five years (2014–2019) to the River Bank Development Corporation (RBDC). As the community entity for Prince Albert, the RBDC distributes funding for projects that prevent and reduce homelessness in Prince Albert and area.

Quotes

“Our Government is proud to support P.A. Community Housing Society and all the work they do here in Prince Albert. 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.”

– Randy Hoback, Member of Parliament for Prince Albert

“In 2012, we saw the need for affordable rental units specifically designed for persons with acquired brain injuries. With HPS funding, we were able to build Whisper Way, which we believe is the first of its kind in Saskatchewan. Whisper Way allows tenants to live independently, and most importantly, have a home with a large support group and friendship. It is now fully occupied, with a waiting list. It is a true success.”

– Linda Boyer, Manager, P.A. Community Housing Society

Associated Links

• Homelessness Partnering Strategy
• Housing First

Contacts
Media Relations Office
Employment and Social Development Canada
819-994-5559
media@hrsdc-rhdcc.gc.ca

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