[homeles_ot-l] FW: Ottawa to support veterans experiencing homelessness through pilot project

Mon Aug 27 15:22:43 EDT 2012

FYI – HRSD release on Veterans Pilot project - a 4 city pilot in Toronto, London, Calgary, and Victoria. Thanks to CHRA for passing it along. The CHRA release follows below.

Lynne Browne

________

Government of Canada announces a new pilot project to support veterans in Canada

Calgary, Alberta, July 31, 2012— To further support Canadians who have dedicated themselves to serving their country, the Government is launching the Transitional Housing and Supports for Homeless Veterans pilot project to help veterans who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. The announcement was made today by the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development and the Honourable Steven Blaney, Minister of Veterans Affairs.

“The Government is committed to supporting Canadian veterans that stood up for our great country,” said Minister Finley. “By working with community organizations across Canada, we are aiming to make a positive difference in the lives of those who have served our country. Our government will always stand up for our veterans, and together with all Canadians, we will never forget their service and sacrifice.”

“This pilot project complements existing programs to expand our reach to help homeless veterans get the care and benefits they need and deserve,” said Minister Blaney. “Today’s announcement is yet another example of our government's continued commitment to improving the lives of veterans and their families.”

Human Resources and Skills Development Canada, through the Homelessness Partnering Strategy, is providing over $1.9 million in funding for this project and Veterans Affairs Canada is providing in-kind contributions totaling $1.85 million.

“The Alberta government is committed to helping military veterans who are in transition to find appropriate housing,” said Municipal Affairs Minister Doug Griffiths. “These men and women have served our country with pride. Now, it is time to repay our debt of gratitude to them, which is why our government is proud to provide $1.8 million toward the purchase of a facility for this project.” 

“As Canadians, we have an obligation to support the men and women who have served our country and fallen on hard times,” said Tim Richter, President and CEO, Calgary Homeless Foundation. “We’re thrilled to partner with the Government of Canada and the Government of Alberta and be part of this new national project to house and support homeless Canadian veterans and uphold our duty of care.”

This pilot project is based on a successful program that was launched in the United Kingdom, where the government provides support that is based on veteran-centred principles. A key component of the project is a focus on providing a structured, military-like environment in the housing facilities. Central to this environment includes the implementation of peer support, where veterans use their experience to help other veterans.

"The Royal Canadian Legion applauds the launching of this much needed pilot project.This is an opportunity for the Government to establish long-term collaborative partnerships with existing programs like the Legion's national homeless veterans program, Leave the Streets Behind, as well as Cockrell House in Victoria," said Gord Moore, Dominion President of The Royal Canadian Legion.

"This initiative is far more than just putting a roof over the heads of homeless veterans, it is about providing more lasting, meaningful support for those veterans most in need," concluded Minister Blaney.

This important partnership project is being carried out in four cities across Canada: Toronto, Ontario; London, Ontario; Calgary, Alberta; and Victoria, British Columbia.

- 30 -

Lynne Browne

Executive Director

Alliance to End Homelessness Ottawa

lynnebrowne at endhomelessnessottawa.ca 

171 George Street, Ottawa ON K1N 5W5

613-241-1573, ext. 314

www.endhomelessnessottawa.ca <https://mail.ysb.on.ca/exchweb/bin/redir.asp?URL=http://www.endhomelessnessottawa.ca> 

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From: Canadian Housing & Renewal Association [mailto:info=chra-achru.ca at mail22.us2.mcsv.net] On Behalf Of Canadian Housing & Renewal Association
Sent: August-01-12 12:33 PM
To: Lynne Browne
Subject: Ottawa to support veterans experiencing homelessness through pilot project

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Federal Ministers Commit to Supporting Homeless Veterans 

August 1, 2012

On July 31st, the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister responsible for Human Resources and Skills Development Canada, and the Honourable Steven Blaney, Minister of Veterans Affairs, announced the “Transitional Housing and Supports for Homeless Veterans” pilot project. The Ministers stated that this program is designed to help veterans who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. 

Human Resources and Skills Development Canada will provide over $1.9 million in funding from the existing Homelessness Partnering Strategy. Veterans Affairs Canada will provide in-kind contributions worth $1.85 million. Four communities will receive funding through the project; Toronto, London, Calgary and Victoria.  CHRA members Mainstay Housing and the Calgary Homeless Foundation will deliver the project in Toronto and Calgary, respectively, and municipal member, the City of London, will serve as the Project Administrator.

"This pilot project is important because it recognizes the pervasiveness of homelessness, while also recognizing that homelessness can be solved with housing and appropriate supports” said Jody Ciufo, CHRA Executive Director.  “CHRA applauds the federal government for its efforts and looks forward to the expansion of this initiative beyond four communities,” said Ciufo.

Support for all population groups experiencing homelessness is funded by the federal government through the existing Homelessness Partnering Strategy (HPS). HPS has provided significant funding to 61 communities so that they can provide housing and support services for homeless individuals and families and to various aboriginal, remote and rural communities across the country.  This important program has had demonstrated success in reducing homelessness, but it is set to expire on March 31, 2014. 

“We are optimistic that the support for addressing homelessness shown by the federal government’s commitment to assist homeless veterans will also be reflected in the speedy renewal of HPS,” said Ciufo.  “While 2014 might seem like a long time from now, communities need the assurance that the program will be renewed before embarking on plans to build new housing or initiate new support services, all of which take a lot of time.  Having confirmed HPS funding will allow communities to focus on helping homeless individuals and families, rather than worry about how and when the money will flow.”

*	Read the news release and backgrounder from the federal government on the “Transitional Housing and Supports for Homeless Veterans” pilot project here <http://chra-achru.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=198979fc27672dbfc65fa7c28&id=a45a8aeedc&e=4fd1966bbe> 
*	Read CHRA’s Policy Statement on Homelessness here <http://chra-achru.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=198979fc27672dbfc65fa7c28&id=ca0780a2b4&e=4fd1966bbe> 

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