Government of Canada helping those who are homeless or at risk of becoming
homeless in Sainte-Anne-des-Plaines

SAINTE-ANNE-DES-PLAINES, QC, Nov. 9 /CNW Telbec/ - The Government of Canada is helping those who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless build a stronger future for themselves.

The Honourable Christian Paradis, Minister of Public Works and Government Services and Member of Parliament for Mégantic-L'Érable, on behalf of the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development, today announced Homelessness Partnering Strategy funding to the Maison des jeunes in Sainte-Anne-des-Plaines for its street outreach project.

"Our government is supporting many Canadians with housing needs and is fulfilling its commitment to help those seeking to break free from the cycle of homelessness and poverty," said Minister Paradis. "Through this investment, the Maison des jeunes in Sainte-Anne-des-Plaines will be able to help those who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless."

This investment of $38,726 will be used by the Maison des jeunes to hire and retain an outreach worker who will work with the homeless and those at risk of homelessness. The project, which allows for more direct interaction between the caseworker and clients, aims to provide 80 individuals with guidance, support and referral services, for a total of 400 interventions.

In September 2008, the Government of Canada announced an investment of $1.9 billion over five years for housing and homelessness programs for low-income Canadians. This commitment gives the government the opportunity to work with the provinces, territories and municipalities, and with charitable organizations to develop ways to improve the effectiveness of federal spending in the area of housing and homelessness.

This ongoing funding will ensure that the government can continue to assist people who require assistance, including homeless people and those at risk of homelessness, such as low-income Canadians, seniors, people with disabilities, recent immigrants and Aboriginal Canadians in need of support.

Canada's Economic Action Plan is building on these investments by making an additional one-time investment of more than $2 billion over two years in new and existing social housing, and by making available up to $2 billion in loans to Canadian municipalities over two years for housing-related infrastructure improvements. To learn more about Canada's Economic Action Plan, please visit www.actionplan.gc.ca.

The availability of safe and 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 Homelessness Partnering Strategy emphasizes longer-term supportive and transitional housing by focusing on a housing-first approach to help people transition out of the cycle of homelessness.

In January 2008, the Government of Canada and the Government of Quebec signed a collaborative agreement with regard to the designated community and outreach community components of the Homelessness Partnership Strategy (HPS). This agreement takes into account the ways in which these components complement the Government of Quebec's programs and policies to address homelessness.

The Government of Quebec, in addition to the financial contribution of the Government of Canada, provides up to 50% of the funding to the community partners for all projects implemented under the HPS-designated communities.

For more information on the Homelessness Partnering Strategy, please visit www.hrsdc.gc.ca/eng/homelessness/.

This news release is available in alternative formats upon request.

    
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The Homelessness Partnering Strategy (HPS) is a unique community-based program aimed at preventing and reducing homelessness by providing direct support and funding to more than 60 communities across Canada. The HPS took effect April 1, 2007, with annual funding of $134.8 million for two years. Funding for housing and homelessness programs has been extended for another five years, until March 31, 2014.

The HPS provides structures and supports that help people who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless achieve self-sufficiency and full participation in society. The project model seeks to address homelessness by working in partnership with the provinces and territories, other federal departments, communities, and the private and non-profit sectors. By working with all our partners, we will maximize results to make a lasting difference in the lives of vulnerable Canadians. The Homelessness Partnering Strategy provides the support that our community partners are seeking.

The Homelessness Partnering Strategy uses a housing-first approach, recognizing that the first step is to provide individuals with transitional and supportive housing.

    
    The HPS has seven funding streams:

    Regionally delivered:

    - Designated Communities
    - Outreach Communities
    - Aboriginal Communities

    Nationally delivered:

    - Federal Horizontal Pilot Projects
    - Homelessness Knowledge Development
    - Homeless Individuals and Families Information System
    - Surplus Federal Real Property for Homelessness Initiative
    

For more information on the Homelessness Partnering Strategy and the seven funding streams, please visit www.hrsdc.gc.ca/eng/homelessness/.

SOURCE Employment and Social Development Canada

For further information: For further information: media only: Michelle Bakos, Press Secretary, Office of Minister Finley, (819) 994-2482; National Media Relations Office, Human Resources and Skills Development Canada, (819) 994-5559