Government of Canada helps those who are homeless or at risk of homelessness in British Columbia

July 08, 2010

100 MILE HOUSE, BRITISH COLUMBIA — Thanks to support from the Government of Canada, individuals who are homeless or at risk of homelessness in the remote area of 100 Mile House will now have access to much-needed supports and services. Ms. Cathy McLeod, Member of Parliament for Kamloops–Thompson–Cariboo, made the announcement today on behalf of the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development.

“Our government is giving a hand-up to Canadians with housing needs, and is helping those seeking to break free from the cycle of homelessness and poverty here in the community of 100 Mile House,” said Ms. McLeod. “Through this investment, the Canadian Mental Health Association – South Cariboo Branch will enhance and improve access to support services for families and individuals who are homeless or at risk of homelessness.”

The Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) – South Cariboo Branch will receive just over $63,500 through the Government of Canada’s Homelessness Partnering Strategy to address community service gaps contributing to homelessness. The Association will work towards establishing partnerships with other agencies to develop collaborative approaches to assist mutual clients and to provide longer-term housing. Funds will also be used to provide a transportation service to individuals in remote areas, so that they can gain access to support services such as medical care and food banks. Twenty individuals per month will benefit from this service.

“The Canadian Mental Health Association – South Cariboo Branch is very pleased to have the support of the federal government in this project,” said Ms. Maggie Patterson‑Dickey, Executive Director, South Cariboo Branch, Canadian Mental Health Association. “In these tough economic times, more and more community members are struggling to either find or keep their homes. It is very much part of our organization’s mandate to work towards seeing that every member of our community has safe, affordable housing. This funding will help CMHA and other housing and support providers in the South Cariboo region to partner in finding innovative and affordable solutions.”

In September 2008, the Government of Canada announced an investment of $1.9 billion over five years, until 2014, for housing and homelessness programs for low‑income Canadians. This commitment gives the Government the flexibility to work with the provinces and territories and municipalities, and with charitable organizations, to develop ways to improve the effectiveness of federal spending in the area of housing and homelessness.

Canada’s Economic Action Plan has built 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. The Government’s investments are creating jobs, stimulating local economies and improving the quality of life for many Canadians. To learn more about Canada’s Economic Action Plan, please visit www.actionplan.gc.ca.

The availability of safe and stable housing and related supports is an important element in addressing homelessness and helping individuals who are homeless achieve greater self‑sufficiency and a better quality of life. The Homelessness Partnering Strategy emphasizes longer‑term supportive and transitional housing by focusing on a housing‑first approach to help people make the transition out of the cycle of homelessness.


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