May 10, 2004

IMMEDIATE RELEASE

SAINT-HYACINTHE, QUEBEC — Ms. Yolande Thibault, MP for Saint-Lambert, on behalf of the Honourable Claudette Bradshaw, Minister of Labour and Minister responsible for Homelessness, today announced a contribution of $350,000 for the organization Maison Le Baluchon, that has been used to purchase two buildings. The funding is being provided under the Canada's National Homelessness Initiative (NHI), and reaffirms the federal government's commitment to strengthening Canada's social foundations, as stated in the Speech from the Throne.

“The Government of Canada is pleased to support Maison Le Baluchon in providing young people who are homeless with transitional shelter and assistance services,” stated Ms. Thibeault.

Since 1991, Maison Le Baluchon has provided shelter, support and assistance services designed to help young people in Saint-Hyacinthe reintegrate into the community. Thanks to the Government of Canada funding, the organization has acquired two buildings and is able to take in eight young people at-risk.

“Because of the efforts and dedication of our personnel, we are proud of our new acquisitions. They will definitely improve the living conditions of these young people. stated Mr. Claude Rainville, president of the board of directors of Maison Le Baluchon. ”

“This funding furthers the Government of Canada’s commitment to continue working together with community groups such as Maison Le Baluchon, the private sector and all levels of government to find local solutions to address homelessness, stated Minister Bradshaw.” The NHI is making a difference by encouraging the development of flexible, community-driven solutions to help alleviate homelessness. Funding for this Initiative is provided for in the March 2004 budget.

Since December 1999, communities across Canada have undertaken over 1,800 projects, funded wholly or in part by the NHI. These projects will result in: The addition of approximately 8,000 permanent beds in shelters, and transitional and supportive housing. The construction, renovation and improvement of over 1,000 facilities such as shelters, food banks, soup kitchens and drop-in centres. The transfer of 50 properties, worth $9.2 million and approved under the NHI’s Surplus Federal Real Property for Homelessness Initiative, to establish 214 transitional affordable housing units. In addition to Government of Canada investments, the partnerships have leveraged substantial resources, valued at more than a half billion dollars, for the implementation of homelessness projects in Canada.

For more information on the Government of Canada's NHI, please visit our Web site at: http://www.homelessness.gc.ca.