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

November 26, 2009

THOMPSON, MANITOBA —The Government of Canada is helping those who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless build a stronger future for themselves.
Mr. Vic Toews, President of the Treasury Board and Member of Parliament for Provencher, on behalf of the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development, today announced Homelessness Partnering Strategy (HPS) funding of $247,124 to the Thompson Homeless Shelter Inc to help continue the shelter services, including Outreach Services, from November 29, 2009 to March 31, 2011.

“Our government is supporting many Canadians with housing needs and is helping those seeking to break free of the cycle of homelessness and poverty,” said Mr. Toews. “Through this investment, the Thompson Homeless Shelter Inc will help provide 24-hour emergency shelter and support services to 24 persons per night who are homeless or at risk of homelessness in Thompson and the surrounding area.”

With this investment, the Thompson Homeless Shelter Inc. is able to extend their activities for 16 months. The shelter provides services such as nutritional meals, laundry facilities, a clothing bank, restroom and shower facilities and basic supplies for personal hygiene. Emergency staff is also available to help determine clients needs, refer them to the appropriate program or services, and help clients find temporary accommodation during their transition to independence.

“This stable funding source we have been able to focus and implement much needed programming for homeless shelter clients in the Burntwood Region,” said Katie Isaac, Chairperson of the Thompson Homeless Shelter. “In the second quarter of the 2009/2010 fiscal year we have provided 2348 bed nights, 4173 meals, and provided 1801 support services.”

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 assist those who need support, including homeless people and those at risk of homelessness—low-income Canadians, seniors, people with disabilities, recent immigrants and Aboriginal Canadians.

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.

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