April 6, 2004

IMMEDIATE RELEASE

DARTMOUTH, NOVA SCOTIA — The Honourable Geoff Regan, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans and Member of Parliament for Halifax West, on behalf of the Honourable Claudette Bradshaw, Minister of Labour and Minister responsible for Homelessness, announced approximately $1.1 million in funding for five projects to assist homeless people and those at risk of becoming homeless in the Metro area.

“Several of these projects will enable those working in the area of homelessness to move forward and address specific issues, and to provide emergency services in a time of crisis and during inclement weather,” said Minister Regan. “The results of the research project will enable the Community Action on Homelessness group, and others working in the area of homelessness, to be better positioned to develop solutions that are strategic and supported by data and findings.”

Representatives from the Community Action on Homelessness Steering Committee were also present at today’s announcement, which took place at Alice Housing. Sheri Lecker, Chair of Community Action on Homelessness, noted that these new projects, combined with those supported over the past four years, will create opportunities for people to move out of homelessness.

“A great deal still needs to be done in the community; however, each project demonstrates a continued commitment to the complex issues around homelessness, to its solutions, and to healthy vibrant communities,” said Lecker.

The funding supports five projects in the Halifax Metro area through the following groups and organizations: Alice Housing, Brunswick Street United Church, Halifax Regional Municipality, Metro Turning Point, and North End Community Health Association. The Nova Scotia Department of Community Services’ Housing Services Division provides in-kind support, such as office space and utilities, toward North End Community Health Association.

Funding for these projects is being provided through the Supporting Communities Partnership Initiative, a key component of the Government of Canada’s National Homelessness Initiative (NHI).

The Government of Canada launched the NHI in December 1999 to support communities’ efforts to help Canadians out of homelessness. Over $1 billion is being spent towards the federal government’s commitment to addressing homelessness in Canada. Since the NHI was launched, the Government of Canada has committed approximately $15 million to prevent and alleviate homelessness in Nova Scotia.

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 National Homelessness Initiative. These projects will result in: The creation of approximately 8,000 new, permanent beds in shelters, transitional, and supportive houses; The construction, renovation, and enhancement of roughly 1000 sheltering facilities and support facilities, such as food banks, soup kitchens and drop-in centres; The transfer of 50 federal surplus properties worth over $9 million, which will result in the creation of 214 transitional and affordable housing units; and In addition to the Government of Canada investment, partnerships have leveraged over a half billion dollars towards the implementation of homelessness projects in Canada.

Backgrounder

National Homelessness Initiative Projects through the Supporting Communities Partnership Initiative in Nova Scotia

Project Description Funding

Alice Housing
Alice Housing will develop safe and secure supportive housing for women with or without children who have left abusive relationships. $500,000

North End Community Health Association
The Community Action on Homelessness Committee will facilitate and enhance the opportunity of service providers working in the area of homelessness to collaborate and develop strategies to fulfill the commitments outlined in the Community Action Plan. $420,699

Research Enhance Base Knowledge on Homelessness – Halifax Regional Municipality
The Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM), along with the Community Action on Homelessness Committee, will design and implement surveys, studies and research projects to better understand homelessness and the needs of homeless individuals, and to identify municipal and community capacity to address issues of housing and homelessness in the Metro area. $98,230

Safe Night Drop-In Centre – Brunswick Street United Church
The Brunswick Street United Church’s “Safe Night Drop-In Centre” will offer a safe, dry place for men and women. $53,962

Wet Shelter Services –Metro Turning Point Shelter
Metro Turning Point will provide temporary shelter services for individuals with addictions. $31,566

For more information on the Government of Canada’s National Homelessness Initiative, visit our Web site at www.homelessness.gc.ca

For more information: