Hon. Alice Wong, P.C.

VICTORIA, BRITISH COLUMBIA–(July 31, 2012) – To further support Canadians who have dedicated themselves to serving their country, the Government of Canada is launching the Transitional Housing and Supports for Homeless Veterans Pilot Project to help veterans who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. The Honourable Alice Wong, Minister of State (Seniors), highlighted the funding announcement today on behalf of the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development, and the Honourable Steven Blaney, Minister of Veterans Affairs.

“The Government of Canada is committed to supporting Canadian veterans that stood up for our great country,” said Minister Wong. “By partnering with Cockrell House to provide essential services to veterans in need, we are doing our part to address veterans’ poverty and homelessness in Victoria. Our Government will always stand up for our veterans and, together with all Canadians, we will never forget their service and sacrifice.”

“We are pleased to be working together with the other sites across Canada to develop and evaluate a Canadian model for veterans experiencing homelessness that will enable them to transition successfully to housing stability,” said Angus Stanfield, Director, Cockrell House. “Cockrell House is proud to be a part of this important project. At Cockrell House, we support 11 of our local veterans in overcoming many challenges. Offering a home and supports with other veterans is the foundation for new beginnings.”

Cockrell House is receiving over $258,000 in Homelessness Partnering Strategy (HPS) funding to provide transitional housing units and support services to veterans to help them stabilize their lives. This is one of four organisations across Canada receiving funding for a pilot project to help veterans who are homeless or at risk of homelessness.

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

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.

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

BACKGROUNDER

Transitional Housing and Supports for Homeless Veterans

The project will be administered by the City of London and is being carried out in four cities across Canada.

Toronto, Ontario: Mainstay Housing is receiving $405,789 in Homelessness Partnering Strategy (HPS) funding.

London, Ontario: The Unity Project for Relief of Homelessness in London is receiving $304,948 in HPS funding.

Calgary, Alberta: The Calgary Homeless Foundation is receiving $539,547 in HPS funding.

Victoria, BC: Cockrell House is receiving $258,800 in HPS funding.

Human Resources and Skills Development Canada (HRSDC) will fund project activities and coordination, including an evaluation to assess the impact of the project interventions on housing stability, self-sufficiency and the integration of homeless veterans into the broader community.

The contribution of Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC) will include: management and other support from its head office; clinical support and training from the VAC National Centre for Occupational Stress Injuries and regional clinics located at the pilot sites; as well as case management support from the local VAC offices at the pilot sites.

Community partner organizations are providing services such as meals and local transportation.

The City of London, as project administrator, will monitor and manage project finances for all sites, evaluate the project, and provide regular reports to HRSDC and VAC.

Homelessness Partnering Strategy

The HPS is a unique community-based program aimed at preventing and reducing homelessness by providing direct support and funding to 61 designated communities across Canada.

As of July 16, 2012, 2 049 approved projects totalling over $693 million have been funded under the HPS to prevent and reduce homelessness in Canada.

For more information on the HPS and the seven funding streams, please visit www.hrsdc.gc.ca/homelessness.

Contact Information

Marian Ngo
Office of Minister Finley
819-994-2482

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

Janice Summerby
Media Relations Advisor
Veterans Affairs Canada
613-992-7468

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