Government of Canada helps those who are homeless or at risk of homelessness
in Montréal

MONTREAL, Aug. 31 /CNW Telbec/ - The Government of Canada is helping individuals who are homeless or at risk of homelessness overcome or avoid the cycle of homelessness. The Honourable Christian Paradis, Minister of Natural Resources, made the announcement today on behalf of the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development.

"Our government is giving a hand-up to Quebeckers and Canadians seeking to break free from the cycle of homelessness and poverty," said Minister Paradis. "We are proud to support Accueil Bonneau in its efforts to provide healthy housing to men in need, where they can benefit from a range of important support services."

Accueil Bonneau received $189,500 in federal funding through the Homelessness Partnering Strategy. This investment will enable the organization to hire and retain three workers who will help people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness improve their lifestyle. The funding will also be used to renovate a building where support services are offered. Over 160 men will benefit from safe and healthy facilities, thereby enhancing their quality of life.

"For 130 years, Accueil Bonneau has given hope and support to Montréal's homeless, with a view to helping them find and keep a place to live," said Mr. Aubin Boudreau, Director General of Accueil Bonneau. "Among other things, this project will help 160 men maintain a stable housing situation and therefore improve their living situation."

In September 2008, the Government of Canada announced an investment of $1.9 billion over five years, until 2014, for housing and homelessness programs for low-income Canadians. This commitment gives the Government the flexibility to work with the provinces and 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 enable the Government to continue to assist individuals in need, including homeless people and those at risk of homelessness, such as low-income Canadians, seniors, people with disabilities, recent immigrants and Aboriginal people in need of support.

Canada's Economic Action Plan has built 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. The Government's investments are creating jobs, stimulating local economies and improving the quality of life for many Canadians. 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 make the transition out of the cycle of homelessness.

In January 2008, the governments of Canada and Quebec signed a collaborative agreement with regard to the Designated Communities and Outreach Communities components of the Homelessness Partnering Strategy. 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 percent of the funding to community partners for all projects implemented under the Designated Communities component.

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

This news release is available in alternative formats upon request.

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backgrounder

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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 61 communities across Canada. The HPS took effect April 1, 2007, with annual funding of $134.8 million for two years, and was extended in 2008 for a further two years until March 31, 2011. 

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. This model seeks to address homelessness by working in partnership with the provinces and territories, other federal departments, as well as with communities and the private and not-for-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 the following website: www.hrsdc.gc.ca/homelessness.

For further information:

For further information (media only):

Michelle Bakos Press Secretary Office of Minister Finley     819-994-2482

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