Government of Canada helps people in Manitoba and Saskatchewan who are homeless or at risk of homelessness

Winnipeg, Manitoba, July 11, 2012—Communities in Manitoba and Saskatchewan will gain a greater understanding of local homelessness issues through a federal investment announced today by the Honourable Vic Toews, Minister of Public Safety and Regional Minister for Manitoba, 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 Toews. “Through this investment, The Salvation Army Winnipeg Booth Centre Ministries will help improve homelessness data collection and better serve people in Manitoba and Saskatchewan who are homeless or at risk of homelessness.”

“We are excited about the opportunity to continue our partnership with the Homelessness Partnering Strategy to build capacity and increase knowledge in communities,” said Major Chris Dickens, Executive Director of The Salvation Army Winnipeg Booth Centre Ministries.“This project aims to collect appropriate and relevant data to help us all better understand the challenges and root causes of homelessness and, together, identify practical and effective measures to reduce homelessness across our nation.”

Homelessness Partnering Strategy funding of just over $135,000 will be used by The Salvation Army Winnipeg Booth Centre Ministries to provide community data coordination, technical support and training to service providers who work with people who are homeless.

This news release is available in alternative formats upon request.

For further information (media only):

Marian Ngo
Office of Minister Finley
819-994-2482

Media Relations Office
Human Resources and
Skills DevelopmentCanada
819-994-5559
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Backgrounder

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 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 until March 2014. This includes a renewal of the HPS until March 2014.

As of July 2, 2012, a total of 2 047 approved projects to prevent and reduce homelessness in Canada totalling over $693 million have been funded under the HPS.

The HPS supports communities in their efforts to help people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness achieve self-sufficiency and fully participate in society. This model seeks to address homelessness by encouraging communities to work in partnership with the provinces and territories, other federal departments, community stakeholders and the private and not-for-profit sectors.

The availability of safe, stable housing and related supports are important elements 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, one that recognizes that housing stability is an important first step in addressing homelessness and is necessary for the success of other interventions such as education and training, life-skills development or the management of mental-health issues.

For more information on the HPS and the seven funding streams, visit www.hrsdc.gc.ca/homelessness.

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