GOVERNMENTS OF CANADA AND SASKATCHEWAN SUPPORT THE DEVELOPMENT OF TRANSITIONAL HOUSING FOR YOUTH IN REGINA

The Government of Canada and the Province of Saskatchewan are helping those who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless build a stronger future for themselves.

Ray Boughen, Member of Parliament for Palliser, on behalf of Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development, announced that Homelessness Partnering Strategy (HPS) funding will be used to purchase and develop a six-bedroom transitional housing unit for homeless youth in Regina.

"Our government is supporting many Canadians with housing needs and fulfilling our commitment to help those seeking to break free of the cycle of homelessness and poverty," said Boughen. "By providing essential services, we are enabling vulnerable individuals to achieve self-sufficiency and full participation in society."

"Our government is pleased to partner with the Government of Canada and the John Howard Society to develop and operate Robert's Place, a peer home for at-risk youth in Regina," Municipal Affairs Minister Bill Hutchinson said on behalf of Social Services Minister Donna Harpauer. "The home will provide much-needed services to boys, ages 12 to 15, who require stable housing and a safe home environment. Through the Ministry of Social Services, the Province of Saskatchewan will provide more than $300,000 annually in operational funding to the John Howard Society for this important initiative."

"As an organization that provides services to youth, we are well aware of the need for support and programming for young people who are homeless or at-risk of homelessness, and having access to safe, secure housing is a fundamental part of building a healthy community," John Howard Society of Saskatchewan Executive Director Jim Warner said.

The investment of $326,525 from the Homelessness Partnering Strategy will help the John Howard Society purchase and develop a six-bedroom transitional housing unit for male youth, primarily of Aboriginal descent.

In September 2008, the Government of Canada announced $1.9 billion over five years for housing and homelessness programs for low-income Canadians. This commitment allows the flexibility to work with provinces, municipalities and charitable organizations to develop ways to improve the effectiveness of federal spending in the area of housing and homelessness.

This ongoing funding will ensure the Government can continue to assist those who need support, including homeless people and those at risk of homelessness - low-income Canadians, seniors, people with disabilities, recent immigrants and Aboriginal Canadians.

Canada's Economic Action Plan is building on these investments with an additional one-time investment of more than $2 billion over two years in new and existing social housing, and by making available loans of up to $2 billion over two years for housing-related infrastructure improvements.

The HPS recognizes that housing and employment stability are essential to self sufficiency and full participation in Canadian society. With its clear goals of improved partnerships, enhanced sustainability and tangible results, the Strategy provides concrete, meaningful and lasting results for Canadians in need.

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For more information, contact:

Michelle Bakos
Office of Minister Finley
Phone: 819-994-2482

National Media Relations Office
Human Resources and Skills Development Canada
Phone: 819-994-5559

Brian Miller
Social Services
Regina
Phone: 306-787-0531