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January 9, 2002
IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CAPE BRETON, NOVA SCOTIA-Four Cape Breton organizations will receive funding from the Government of Canada to address homelessness in their community. Mark Eyking, Member of Parliament for Sydney-Victoria, on behalf of the Honourable Claudette Bradshaw, Minister of Labour and Federal Co-ordinator on Homelessness, today announced that the Government of Canada, through the National Homelessness Initiative, is investing $433,608 in projects to alleviate homelessness in the Cape Breton area.
The four projects to be funded under the National Homelessness Initiative include: Every Woman's Centre $57,154; Cairdeil Place Society $79,000; The Open Door Homeless Shelter $97,500; and Community CARES Youth Outreach $199,954.
"It is very important to recognize that homelessness is an issue that is being addressed not only in larger metropolitan centres but also in communities like ours" said Mr. Eyking. "The Government of Canada supports a community-based approach that brings together various partners to identify local issues and develop solutions that effectively help those in need move toward healthier and more stable lifestyles."
The Community Advisory Group on Homelessness of Cape Breton is committed to implementing and coordinating local solutions to help develop the necessary supports for homeless individuals and families. These four projects respond to the recommendations that were highlighted in the community plan for Cape Breton, which include support services, shelters and educational opportunities for people who are homeless or at risk. Youth were also recognized as a priority group for assistance.
"The Community Action Plan recognized the need for a collaborative approach to the issue of homelessness in Cape Breton. The successful projects will not only expand facilities for the homeless, but will also work to prevent people from experiencing homelessness," said Raylene Theriault, Community Advisory Group. "Through the development of programs and the collaboration of agencies, individuals will be strengthened to continue and achieve independence."
The $753-million National Homelessness Initiative works in partnership with community organizations, the private sector and all levels of government to help Canada's homeless by bringing together various partners to develop local solutions that work to address particular homelessness needs and issues. Through this co-ordinated approach, the following building block programs are available to support communities across Canada: Supporting Communities Partnership Initiative; Urban Aboriginal Strategy; Youth Homelessness Strategy; Surplus Federal Real Property for Homelessness Initiative; and Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation's Renovation and Conversion Programs.
Funding for the Initiative was provided for in the February 2000 federal Budget and is built into the existing financial framework.
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Bruce Reardon Human Resources Development Canada (902) 564-7220 |
Bernadette Theriault Human Resources Development Canada (902) 794-5877 |
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David Klug Minister Bradshaw's Office (819) 953-5646 |
Darlene Morrison Office of Mark Eyking, Member of Parliament for Sydney-Victoria (902) 567-6275 |
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Agnes Campbell Cairdeil Place Society (902) 539-4228 |
Raylene Theriault Every Woman's Centre (902) 567-1212 |
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Dorothy Halliday Community CARES Youth Outreach (902) 544-0049 |
Zane Lee The Open Door Homeless Shelter (902) 564-5016 |
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BACKGROUNDER
SUPPORTING COMMUNITIES PARTNERSHIP INITIATIVE (SCPI) AND YOUTH COMPONENT OF THE NATIONAL HOMELESSNESS INITIATIVE PROJECTS - CAPE BRETON
EVERY WOMAN'S CENTRE
Every Woman's Centre is a non-profit organization, incorporated in 1992, dedicated to promoting the economic, cultural, social and educational interests of women and to initiating and promoting programs to improve the physical and mental well-being of women.
Federal funding of $57,154, through the Supporting Communities Partnership Initiative under the National Homelessness Initiative, will enable Every Woman's Centre to develop programs and services to eliminate involuntary homelessness among women and reduce its associated risks. Programs will be designed to help individuals achieve and maintain self-sufficiency, and will include referral services, information awareness, advocacy and support services for women and their children. Every Woman's Centre will also develop and implement "Almost Home," a one-year community-based outreach initiative to support and assist women at risk of becoming homeless in acquiring safe, affordable housing.
Contact: Raylene Theriault, (902) 567-1212
CAIRDEIL PLACE SOCIETY
The Cairdeil Place Society is a centre that offers life skills, support, social and recreational activities for adults who live in the community and have chronic mental health problems or illness. Cairdeil Place offers a flexible, relaxing and nurturing environment that attracts and meets the needs of their clients.
Federal funding of $79,000, through the Supporting Communities Partnership Initiative under the National Homelessness Initiative, will help the Cairdeil Place Society renovate its facilities including replacing windows and a furnace, and installing an alarm system. Programs provided by Cairdeil Place will help individuals at risk of becoming homeless improve their lifestyle, manage their finances and promote personal growth.
Contact: Agnes Campbell, (902) 539-4228
THE OPEN DOOR HOMELESS SHELTER
The Open Door Homeless Shelter is a non-profit organization, which provides emergency shelter services to homeless men aged 16 years and over. The Shelter also makes arrangements for short-term emergency shelter for women, children and couples. Since opening in 1990, the Open Door Homeless Shelter has provided over 10,000 bed stays for nearly 800 individuals. The Shelter, which is open 7 days a week with 10 available beds, also provides ongoing support and rehabilitative referral services to the community's homeless.
Funding of $97,500, through the Supporting Communities Partnership Initiative under the National Homelessness Initiative, will help to renovate their facility including upgrades to the kitchen area, an extension to their building and furnishings for three bedrooms and a bathroom. These renovations will help to separate the youth clients from the adults and provide adequate support systems.
Contact: Zane Lee, (902) 564-5016
COMMUNITY CARES YOUTH OUTREACH
Community CARES Youth Outreach, established in 1998, is dedicated to developing opportunities for youth to participate in the community in a meaningful way that enhances resources for health, learning, work and volunteerism.
Funding of $199,954 for this project, through Youth Services Canada under the National Homelessness Initiative, will help to hire 12 priority youth and two youth leaders to administer the Community CARES Youth Outreach Resource Centre. The Centre is designed to address issues of youth at risk, foster a culture of respect, caring, service and good citizenship among area youth, and develop awareness and prevention on youth homelessness. It is expected that the youth involved will develop a sense of fulfillment in mentoring their peers in need and exhibit a greater understanding of what their peers are experiencing.
Contact: Dorothy Halliday, (902) 674-2761
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