Press Release

Government of Canada approves funding of $26,000 to alleviate and prevent homelessness in Etobicoke North March 20, 2001  ETOBICOKE -   Roy Cullen, Member of Parliament for Etobicoke North, on behalf of the Honourable Claudette Bradshaw, Minister of Labour and Federal Co-ordinator on Homelessness, today announced approval of $26,000 in funding through the Government of Canada's Supporting Communities Partnership Initiative (SCPI), for Youth Without Shelter.   "I am pleased to support such a worthwhile project, which will address specific needs of homeless youth in Rexdale,"  said Roy Cullen.  "The project announced today is fully supported by the community and will go a long way to addressing the needs of homeless youth in Rexdale and Toronto."   Youth Without Shelter works with homeless youths aged 16-24 years.  It operates a short-term emergency residence and referral service for youth that offers a supportive environment through counselling support and a day program with social and recreational activities for residents and ex-residents.  They also provide ongoing long-term support to at risk youth enabling them to maintain housing and continue their education.  The funding will be used for a "Stay-in-School and Infirmary" project by Youth Without Shelter.  They will develop a program and volunteer model, create a collaboration network with schools and other agencies to support YWS's "Stay-in-School" housing initiative and they will explore the feasibility of providing youth infirmary beds in the new YWS building.   The Supporting Communities Partnership Initiative brings together various partners to develop local solutions to their community's homelessness problems and establish a seamless web of supports for the homeless population.  The $305-million SCPI is a key component of the Government of Canada's $753-million Homelessness Initiative to help alleviate and prevent homelessness across Canada.  The Initiative also includes the expansion of existing programs for youth and Aboriginal peoples, enhancement of Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation's renovations and shelter programs, and making surplus federal properties available for homelessness-related activities.   Since the launch of the Homelessness Initiative in December 1999, the Government of Canada has approved more than $141 million for Youth, Aboriginal and SCPI projects.   Funding for these projects was provided for in the February 2000 budget and is therefore built into the existing financial framework.   For additional information, please contact: Chris Gray, Office Manager Roy Cullen, M.P. Etobicoke North (416) 747-6003 David Klug Office of the Minister of Labour (819) 953-5646