May 4, 2004

IMMEDIATE RELEASE

VICTORIA, BRITISH COLUMBIA - Eight organizations in Victoria are receiving funding from the Government of Canada's National Homelessness Initiative to carry out 11 projects to alleviate homelessness. The Honourable David Anderson, Minister of the Environment, made the announcement today, on behalf of the Honourable Claudette Bradshaw, Minister of Labour and Minister responsible for Homelessness, along with the Honourable Murray Coell, Minister of Community, Aboriginal and Women's Services, and the Mayor of Victoria, Alan Lowe.

These organizations will receive total funding of $761,112. The funding announced today is part of over $2.1 million that will be provided to Victoria through the Government of Canada's National Homelessness Initiative (NHI).

"Addressing homelessness in our cities requires the cooperation and dedicated efforts of community groups, the private sector, and all levels of government," said Minister Anderson. "By providing this funding, the Government of Canada is maintaining its commitment to continue working with our partners to help residents of Victoria who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless." "The provincial government is a key partner with the federal government in combating homelessness in this province, particularly in large urban centres like Victoria and Vancouver," said Murray Coell, Minister of Community, Aboriginal and Women's Services and Minister responsible for Housing. "Homelessness is a serious issue that must be addressed by all levels of government, and we welcome the federal government's financial commitment to finding much-needed solutions for British Columbians in need."

"I would like to thank the Government of Canada and the Province of British Columbia for their partnership and financial contribution in recognizing the importance of this issue," said Mayor Alan Lowe. "I would also like to congratulate the Victoria Steering Committee on Homelessness for their efforts in seeking solutions to the plight of homeless people in Victoria."

These projects are funded under the updated Victoria Community Plan on Homelessness, approved in August 2003. In consultation with the community and various stakeholders, a set of priorities has been identified that includes increasing the capacity of the community to provide safe, secure, and affordable housing and shelter, increasing the range and availability of support services, and enhancing the community's capacity to address issues of homelessness.

By working in partnership with community organizations, the private and voluntary sectors and other levels of government, the National Homelessness Initiative is bringing all stakeholders together to develop local solutions that work together to address particular needs and challenges faced by homeless people. The following programs are available through the National Homelessness Initiative to support communities across Canada: the Supporting Communities Partnership Initiative (SCPI); the Regional Homelessness Fund (RHF); the National Research Program (NRP); the Homeless Individuals and Families Information System (HIFIS); and the Urban Aboriginal Homelessness Fund (UAH).

"This funding furthers the Government of Canada's commitment to continue working together with community groups, the private sector and all levels of government to find local solutions to fight homelessness," stated Minister Bradshaw.

The Government of Canada launched the National Homelessness Initiative in December 1999 to support communities' efforts to help Canadians out of homelessness. Since the launch, the federal government has supported 300 projects, with a total of more than $71.3 million to alleviate homelessness in British Columbia and the Yukon. Funding for these projects was provided for in the 2004 federal 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/.

Burnside Gorge Community Association Emergency Food Cupboard Fund - $8,000 (SCPI) To purchase food and emergency supplies that will be distributed through eight partner agencies in order to increase resources available to at-risk homeless persons and their families.

Homeless Family Placement Project - $125,000 (SCPI) To hire a Placement Development Worker and a Placement Support Worker to assist with registering suites and supporting the project.

Open Door Inner City Ministry Extension of Drop-in Centre Operation - $12,000 (SCPI) To hire additional staff that will enable the Centre to open on Saturdays and Sundays, and provide additional food and supplies.

Pacifica Housing Advisory Association Coordinated Housing Registry - $84,000 (SCPI) To hire an intake worker to assist homeless people who wish to apply or have already applied for housing by building a comprehensive list of the issues and needs they face.

The Salvation Army - Victoria Addictions Rehabilitation Centre Hostel Capacity Increase - $12,000 (SCPI) To increase the capacity of the Centre with the replacement of 16 single beds with 16 bunk beds.

The Victoria Cool Aid Society Streetlink Emergency Shelter & Sandy Merriman House - $58,500 (SCPI) To increase sheltering capacity at both facilities and hire shelter staff who will manage the additional beds during the cold/wet weather months.

Victoria Native Friendship Centre Aboriginal Housing Transition Project - $70,400 (UAH) To develop and implement a housing advocacy service to support Aboriginal families and individuals maintain adequate housing, and support mothers who are at risk of losing their children.

Victoria Youth Empowerment Society Life Skill Day Program - $52,400 (SCPI) To support and assist marginalized street youth access services that stabilize their lives.

YM-YWCA of Greater Victoria Kiwanis House: For At-Risk Women and Children - $112,812 (RHF) To support prevention and early-support services for homeless and at-risk women and children by providing quality housing, life-skills training, advocacy, and pre-employment training.

Mom Reach - $106,000 (RHF) To support marginalized pregnant women and their children through early intervention by assisting homeless pregnant women access shelter, pre-natal attention, and life skills.

Out of the Rain Youth Shelter - $120,000 (RHF) To support and assist homeless street youth to access emergency shelter facilities.

Total Amount of Funding: $761,112