Pipestone Flyer
Thursday, March 03, 2011
Vol. 15, Issue 9, Leduc - Wetaskiwin Pipestone Flyer
Reductions in the number of people who are homeless or using shelters show Alberta’s 10-year plan to end homelessness is working. With more funding in Budget 2011, more homeless people will be helped off the street and into housing.
“With the $9 million boost this year, we will help another 500 people move off the streets into housing and continue to support more than 3,000 formerly homeless Albertans on their path to independence,” said Premier Ed Stelmach. “Most importantly, we are helping these Albertans and their families to build a better future.”
Alberta was the first province in Canada to implement a 10-year plan to end homelessness. Housing First provides homeless people with permanent housing in tandem with wrap-around supports, which may include intensive medical, psychiatric, and case management services, such as life skills training, landlord liaison assistance or addictions counseling.
As well, $4 million will provide rent supplements to 1,000 formerly homeless people who only need help with their rent and no longer need Housing First wrap-around supports.
“Housing First is the right thing to do for vulnerable Albertans because it provides the supports they need to get into housing and stay housed,” said Jonathan Denis, Minister of Housing and Urban Affairs. “Partnering with communities and service agencies is also the right approach because it reduces costs to taxpayers.”
Capital funding to help develop more housing for Albertans in need was also recently announced. This $90 million investment under Budget 2010 includes support for the development of close to 500 new housing units for homeless Albertans, bringing the total number of units funded over two years to nearly 1,500. In 2011/12 another $100 million in capital will further support housing for homeless and low-to-moderate income Albertans in need.
More information on Alberta’s plan to end homelessness by 2019 is on the Housing and Urban Affairs website at www.housing.alberta.ca.
The Alberta government is working to build a better Alberta by fostering economic growth, strengthening our health and education systems, investing in infrastructure, supporting safe and strong communities and ensuring a clean and healthy environment.