PRESS RELEASE: HOMELESSNESS PARTNERING STRATEGY IN SAULT STE. MARIE
June 9, 2017 – Sault Ste. Marie, ON – The Government of Canada is investing $476,210 to help the District of Sault Ste. Marie Social Services Administration combat homelessness in the community.
Terry Sheehan, Member of Parliament for Sault Ste. Marie, on behalf of the Honorable Jean-Yves Duclos, Minister of Families, Children and Social Development, today announced the grant under the Homelessness Partnering Strategy (HPS).
Funding provided through the HPS will address local priorities identified by communities through a comprehensive community planning process involving officials from all levels of government, community stakeholders and the private and public sectors.
For the duration of October 1, 2016 to March 31, 2019, the District of Sault Ste. Marie Social Services Administration Board as the Community Entity will administer the HPS- Designated Communities funding, thereby responding to the Community Plan priorities of the people who are homeless or at imminent risk of homelessness in Sault Ste. Marie.
HPS funds will be used to support projects based on Community Plan priorities, eligible under the terms and conditions and related policies and directives of the HPS and recommendations from the Community Advisory Board.
By helping the homeless and vulnerable community attain a more stable life, the HPS contributes to the mission of Employment and Social Development Canada, which is to build a stronger and more competitive Canada, to help Canadians make choices that will enable them to live productive and profitable lives and improve the lives of Canadians.
“In the Riding of Sault Ste. Marie, many organizations help families and individuals by giving them hope and dignity, and a chance for a new start. While progress is being made towards preventing and reducing homelessness across the country, the challenge is finding solutions that last. We need innovative solutions in order to address the needs of different homeless populations including youth, women fleeing violence, Indigenous Canadians and veterans.”
Terry Sheehan
Member of Parliament for Sault Ste. Marie
“The Government of Canada’s Homelessness Partnering Strategy funding is a critical component in assisting Social Services to continue implementing our Housing and Homelessness plan towards ending chronic homelessness in our community. The SSM Member of Parliament, Terry Sheehan, remains a strong advocate for affordable housing within our city.”
– Jeff Barban, Director of Housing Services