GOVERNMENT OF CANADA HELPING YOUTH WHO ARE HOMELESS OR AT RISK OF HOMELESSNESS IN SASKATOON

The Government of Canada is working with the Province of Saskatchewan to help those who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless build a stronger future for themselves.

Mr. Maurice Vellacott, Member of Parliament for Saskatoon-Wanuskewin, on behalf of Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development, announced that the government is investing in transitional housing for youth in Saskatoon through the Homelessness Partnering Strategy.

"Our government is working to give a hand up to Canadians facing unique challenges," said Vellacott. "Through this investment, the Saskatoon Downtown Youth Centre will be able to purchase and renovate two homes, providing ten transitional beds for youth in Saskatoon who are homeless or at risk of homelessness."

The government provided an investment of $347,280 under the Homelessness Partnering Strategy for the Saskatoon Downtown Youth Centre's My Homes Program. The Province of Saskatchewan contributed $300,000, with additional funding supplied by local businesses. The total cost to complete the project is just under $750,000.

"Our government is pleased to partner with another level of government and the private sector to help build brighter futures for vulnerable Saskatchewan youth," Social Services Minister and Minister responsible for Saskatchewan Housing Corporation Donna Harpauer said. "Stable, quality housing is a basic need that we all share, and is critical to improving overall quality of life. This is another step toward strengthening the province's child welfare system."

"It is a real honour for the Saskatoon Downtown Youth Centre Inc. to be involved in this partnership," Housing and Outreach Services at the Youth Centre Director Don Meikle said. "Together with the Government of Canada, the Province of Saskatchewan, local businesses and our community, we are creating a continuum of housing for our most vulnerable children and youth in Saskatoon."

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 provides the government with the flexibility to work with the provinces and territories, municipalities and the private and not-for-profit sectors to develop ways to improve the effectiveness of federal spending in the area of housing and homelessness.

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

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

The Homelessness Partnering Strategy 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.

For more information on the Homelessness Partnering Strategy, please visit
www.hrsdc.gc.ca/homelessness.

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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

Linda Saliken
Saskatchewan Ministry of Social Services
Regina
Phone: 306-787-0246