Mississauga, Ontario– Employment and Social Development Canada
The Government of Canada is investing more than $4,600,000 in funding through the Regional Municipality of Peel as it implements Housing First, a proven, evidence-based approach to end homelessness. The Honourable Peter Van Loan, Leader of the Government in the House of Commons made the announcement today on behalf of the Honourable Candice Bergen, Minister of State (Social Development).
Housing First is the cornerstone of the Government’s renewed Homelessness Partnering Strategy (HPS). It aims to stabilize the lives of homeless individuals for the long-term by first moving them into permanent housing and then providing additional support for underlying issues, such as addiction and mental health. The end goal is ensuring these individuals become self-sufficient, fully participating members of society.
The Regional Municipality of Peel is receiving this funding over five years to support projects in the community that prevent and reduce homelessness.
Quick facts
- The Housing First approach came into effect on April 1, 2014 and is being introduced gradually across the country over the next two years with specified funding targets, taking into account varying capacity and resources among communities.
- On April 8, the Mental Health Commission of Canada (MHCC) released the final report of the At Home/Chez Soi project. It was the largest study of its kind and provided strong evidence that Housing First is an effective way to reduce homelessness.
- Over the course of the MHCC study, participants in the Housing First group spent an average of 73 percent of their time in stable housing, compared to 32 percent for the group receiving usual care.
- The study also showed that Housing First is a sound financial investment that can lead to significant cost savings. For those participants who were the highest users of emergency and social services, every $10 invested led to an average savings to government of $21.72.
- Since the launch of the HPS in April 2007, approximately 32,000 Canadians who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless have benefitted from education and training opportunities, approximately 32,000 have received help to find work, and more than 5,600 new shelter beds have been created.
Quotes
"We are pleased to partner with the Regional Municipality of Peel to implement Housing First. Through this new approach, we can help people out of crisis, allowing them to build stable lives as full and accepted members of the community. Housing First is key to tackling mental health challenges and building stronger communities."
– The Honourable Peter Van Loan, Leader of the Government in the House of Commons and Member of Parliament for York–Simcoe
"For a number of years, the Region of Peel has advocated the need to establish a national housing strategy that is predictable and sustainable; and one that encourages both private and public partnership. Alongside our 10-Year Housing Plan, the Housing First approach represents another component in meeting the needs of Peel’s most vulnerable citizens and tackling the issue of homelessness in Peel. We look forward to working together with all levels of government."
– Emil Kolb, Regional Chair and Chief Executive Officer, Region of Peel
"The Government’s renewal of the Homelessness Partnering Strategy with a shift to Housing First is great news. The results of the At Home/Chez Soi project clearly demonstrate that the Housing First approach works in Canada. A house is so much more than a roof over one's head. It represents dignity, security, and, above all, hope."
– Louise Bradley, President and CEO of the Mental Health Commission of Canada
Associated Links
Contacts
Darlene Stone
Director of Communications
Office of the Government House Leader
613-218-5711
darlene.stone@lghc-lgcc.gc.ca
Media Relations Office
Employment and Social Development Canada
819-994-5559
src:news.gc.ca