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April 8, 2004
IMMEDIATE RELEASE
SHERBROOKE, QUEBEC — The Government of Canada is providing significant funding to seven organizations in Sherbrooke to assist with the implementation of projects designed to reduce homelessness. The Honourable Denis Paradis, Minister of State (Financial Institutions) and Member of Parliament for Brome–Missisquoi, on behalf of the Honourable Claudette Bradshaw, Minister of Labour and Minister responsible for Homelessness, announced the funding today. The contribution of $1,869,261 will be allocated to these organizations. The funding is being provided under the Supporting Communities Partnership Initiative (SCPI), one of the components of the Government of Canada's National Homelessness Initiative (NHI), and is a reaffirmation of the federal government's desire to strengthen Canada's social foundations, as stated in the Speech from the Throne.
"Since 1999, the Government of Canada has supported a number of initiatives in the region that have helped many people who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. By funding these projects, the government is reaffirming its commitment in this area," stated Mr. Paradis.
The funding announced today will help seven organizations provide essential services to people in need. The attached backgrounder lists the approved projects. Along with the Government of Canada, other partners have also contributed to certain projects.
"To date, in the Sherbrooke area alone, 37 projects have been approved, representing over $4 million," added Mr. Paradis.
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.
The NHI is making a difference by encouraging the development of flexible, community-driven solutions to help alleviate homelessness.
Since the inception of the NHI, the Government of Canada has invested approximately $80 million in more than 450 projects to reduce homelessness in Quebec. Funding for this Initiative is provided for in the March 2004 budget.
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For more information on the Government of Canada's NHI, please visit our Web site at http://www.homelessness.gc.ca/.
Lucille Boudreault
Government of Canada
(819) 564-5864, extension 225
Denis D’Amour
Office of Minister Bradshaw
(506) 851-3419
Partage St-François: 3 projects
Project 1 – $33,779
This project will result in the development of a structured intervention service and personalized support for men experiencing multiple problems. The goal is to promote their reintegration into the community.
Project 2 – $250,000 The goal of this project is to purchase a building that will be renovated and equipped to meet clients’ needs. It will be used as a shelter that can accommodate an increased number of clients, from 20 to 25 people, in the community.
Project 3 – $389,559 The organization was chosen by the community to help support the establishment of the Accueil Poirier shelter. This new resource will help increase the capacity of the emergency housing network for homeless people excluded from other drop-in centres. The funding will be used to cover human resources and operating expenses until March 31, 2006.
CLSC de la région sherbrookoise: 2 projects Project 1 – $90,000 This project will allow the development and continuation of cohesive actions aimed at eliminating homelessness at the local level. It will also support the development and consolidation of services provided to homeless people in the community.
Project 2 – $120,901 This project will enable the organization to pay the salaries of two project leaders, the costs of secretarial services, as well as operating material and administrative costs.
Maison Jeunes-Est: 1 project Project 1 – $162,000 The funding will be used to pay the salaries of two caseworkers and one coordinator, as well as to cover the various costs involved in implementing activities and providing services. The project "Jamais sans toit – phase II" will enable the organization to maintain services and develop activities for the shelter.
Services d’aide Bruno-Dandenault: 1 project Project 1 – $192,290 The approved funding will be used to retain the services of two caseworkers who will help and work with homeless or marginalized individuals to find an apartment and develop an acceptable quality of life.
La Chaudronnée de l’Estrie: 1 project Project 1 – $208,000 The goal of this project is to improve the services offered to clients. It will enable the organization to meet the needs of the increasing number of people who use this soup kitchen. The organization will also be able to maintain follow-up, referral and public education activities, as well as basic health care services.
Le Tremplin 16-30: 1 project Project 1 – $338,732 Le Tremplin 16-30 offers 23 affordable transitional housing units and works to foster the self-sufficiency of young adults between the ages of 16 and 30 who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. The funding will be used to strengthen the organization's services and ensure its long-term viability.
La Grande Table : 1 project Project 1 – $84,000 La Grande Table offers maintains and operates assistance services for families and low income individuals. It offers free or for a minimum fee complete meals or food in a respectful environment. It promotes self-capacity through adapted training. The funding will be used to pay the salaries of one caseworker, buy food and cover the various costs involved in implementing activities and providing services
Total: $1,869,261