May 19, 2004

IMMEDIATE RELEASE

La Maison Grise receives a contribution of more than $90, 000

MONTREAL, QUEBEC — The Honourable Liza Frulla, Minister of Social Development and MP for Verdun—Saint-Henri—Saint-Paul―Pointe Saint-Charles, announced, on behalf of the Honourable Claudette Bradshaw, Minister of Labour and Minister responsible for Homelessness, funding of $98,530 for the organization. This funding will enable the organization to establish a continuum of supports to help homeless people break the cycle of homelessness. The funding is provided under the Supporting Communities Partnership Initiative (SCPI), one of the components of the National Homelessness Initiative (NHI).

“I am very happy to see community ideas come to life in such worthwhile projects and to announce funding for this organization, which is well-respected in the community,” stated Minister Frulla. “Maison grise de Montréal offers services of exceptional quality to people who are less fortunate. With proper support, these people will have a chance to adopt a healthier and more stable lifestyle.”

Founded in 1990, Maison grise de Montréal is a not-for-profit organization that welcomes, houses and supports women experiencing difficulty who are trying to reintegrate into society. The funding will be used to hire a resource person, expand workers’ offices, and purchase a photocopier and two computers.

In July 2003, the Government of Canada and the Government of Quebec signed a new agreement of cooperation regarding the SCPI and the Regional Homelessness Fund. This agreement respects the jurisdictions, policies and priorities of both governments as they relate to homelessness. A joint management committee oversees the coordination of this agreement and is supported in its work by an advisory committee composed of representatives from both levels of government and from community organizations. “This funding furthers the Government of Canada’s commitment to continue working with community groups like Maison grise de Montréal, the private sector and all levels of government to find effective 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.

The Government of Canada launched the NHI in December 1999 to support communities’ efforts to reduce homelessness. Between 1999 and 2006, $1.15 billion will have been spent towards the federal government’s commitment to alleviate homelessness. Funding for this Initiative is provided for in the March 2004 budget.

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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/.