Government of Canada helps prevent homelessness in Ontario

LONDON, ON, March 14, 2013 /CNW/ - A new research study will lead to improved services for people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness in London, Ontario. The announcement was made by Susan Truppe, Parliamentary Secretary for Status of Women and Member of Parliament for London North Centre, 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 to help them break free from the cycle of homelessness and poverty," said Ms. Truppe. "We are pleased to partner with the Lawson Health Research Institute in its efforts to find local solutions to local problems. By partnering with local organizations to provide essential services to people in need, we are doing our part to prevent and address homelessness in Ontario."

"We are very happy to partner with the City of London and the Government of Canada to evaluate an innovative approach to reducing and preventing homelessness with a very vulnerable population," said Dr. Forchuk, Assistant Director of the Lawson Health Research Institute. "The collaborative community approach of London CAReS will be rigorously evaluated to provide clear answers on useful strategies and the associated costs."

Homelessness Partnering Strategy (HPS) funding of over $70,000 will enable the Lawson Health Research Institute to identify the most effective methods for reducing homelessness in London. Researchers at the Institute will review the housing and health outcomes of services provided under the London Community Addiction Response Strategy (CAReS), which was designed to combat homelessness through partnerships among local businesses, service providers and all levels of government. The results will be compiled in a final report that will be useful for other communities as they develop strategies to decrease homelessness.

In September 2008, the Government of Canada committed to investing more than $1.9 billion in housing and homelessness programs over five years. As part of this commitment, the Government of Canada renewed the HPS until March 2014.

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Homelessness Partnering Strategy

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.

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.

Since the launch of the HPS in April 2007, the Government has approved over $736 million for projects that prevent and reduce homelessness across 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. This 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, please visit www.hrsdc.gc.ca/homelessness.

SOURCE: Human Resources and Skills Development Canada

For further information:

This news release is available in alternative formats upon request.

For further information (media only):

Alyson Queen
Director of Communications
Office of Minister Finley
819-994-2482

Media Relations Office
Human Resources and Skills Development Canada
819-994-5559
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