Government of Canada helps people in the Lévis region who are homeless or at risk of homelessness

LÉVIS, QC, Sept. 12, 2012 /CNW Telbec/ - People in the Lévis region who are homeless or at risk of homelessness will have access to better services, the Honourable Steven Blaney, Minister of Veterans Affairs and Member of Parliament for Lévis-Bellechase, announced today on behalf of the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development.

"Our government is giving a hand up to Canadians to help them meet certain basic needs and break free from the cycle of homelessness and poverty," said Minister Blaney. "By working with local community partners to provide essential services to people in need, we are doing our part to reduce and prevent homelessness in the Lévis region."

Three organizations in the Lévis region will receive funding totalling more than $271,000. The funding will allow the organizations to help those who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless to acquire the tools and skills needed to secure and maintain a home. Other services will also be offered to help them meet certain basic needs and enhance their quality of life. In some cases, transitional housing placement services will also be provided.

In the spring of 2011, the Government of Canada and the Government of Quebec signed a collaborative agreement regarding the 2011-2014 Homelessness Partnering Strategy (HPS). The agreement takes into account the two governments' complementary programs and policies related to 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.

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Three organizations in the Lévis region will receive project funding.

The Centre aide et prévention jeunesse de Lévis will receive $214,290 to provide those who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless with better access to services. Specifically, the Centre will provide transitional housing placement services as well as other services to help meet clients' basic needs and improve their quality of life.

Services communautaires l'alternative de Lévis will receive $37,000 to provide transitional housing placement services to those who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. They will also offer other support services to help improve clients' health and living conditions.

The Association coopérative d'économie familiale Rive-Sud will receive $20,000 to facilitate workshops for people who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless to make them better aware of their housing rights and obligations and to improve their chances of securing and keeping a home.

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 July 16, 2012, 2 049 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 to achieve self-sufficiency and participate fully in society. The HPS 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, visit www.hrsdc.gc.ca/homelessness.

SOURCE: HUMAN RESOURCES AND SKILLS DEVELOPMENT CANADA

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

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