Government of Canada helping those who are homeless or at risk of homelessness in Brandon

October 05, 2009

BRANDON, MANITOBA —The Government of Canada is helping those who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless build a stronger future for themselves.

Mr. Merv Tweed, Member of Parliament for Brandon–Souris, on behalf of the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development, today announced Homelessness Partnering Strategy funding to the Brandon Neighbourhood Renewal Corporation for its Program and Administration Coordinator for Homelessness project.

“Our government recognizes the value of working together in reducing homelessness in Canada,” said Mr. Tweed. “That is why projects like this one are important to our partners. Through this investment, the Brandon Neighbourhood Renewal Corporation will promote partnerships and share opportunities across the Brandon area that will help identify and address homelessness needs here.”

The Government provided an investment of $100,108 under the Homelessness Partnering Strategy for the Brandon Neighbourhood Renewal Corporation’s project. Through this investment, the Corporation will hire a program and administration coordinator for homelessness, who will lead various workshops and training opportunities that focus on promoting partnerships, networking and sharing information with Brandon service providers addressing homelessness issues. The project will promote knowledge and awareness of homelessness issues, while reducing duplication and gaps in service.

“The Community Advisory Board (CAB) in Brandon is very appreciative of the support received from the federal government and the personal support of our MP, Merv Tweed. Our Brandon CAB is made up of voluntary members from a broad cross section of community organizations. This funding is key to supporting many citizens in Brandon and the efforts of the CAB and community organizations to develop sustainable resources that create opportunities for change,” said Mr. Brent White, Chairman of the Brandon Community Advisory Board.

In September 2008, the Government of Canada announced $1.9 billion over five years for housing and homelessness programs for low-income Canadians. This commitment provides the Government with the flexibility to work with the provinces and territories, municipalities and 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 help individuals 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 people 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, visit www.actionplan.gc.ca.

The Homelessness Partnering Strategy recognizes that housing and employment stability are essential to selfsufficiency and full participation in Canadian society. With its clear goals of improved partnerships, enhanced sustainability and tangible results, the Strategy provides concrete, meaningful and lasting results for Canadians in need.
For more information on the Homelessness Partnering Strategy, please visit www.hrsdc.gc.ca/homelessness.