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Edmonton Housing Trust Fund To Administer $5M Initiative In City
[April 11, 2007]
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Support services pilot program announced to aid the homeless
The Edmonton Housing Trust Fund will administer the city’s $5 million portion of a new support services pilot program funded by the Government of Alberta. The two-year pilot project is aimed at demonstrating the effectiveness of support services in assisting the homeless to obtain housing and to keep them housed. The program does not include funding for capital projects.
Proposals are now being accepted and will be reviewed by the Trust Fund to ensure they meet the program criteria. $2.5 million per year will be available. Details of the full program are available on the Trust Fund website at www.ehtf.ca
“To date, support service teams and timely case management are not widely available,” said Harvey Voogd, Trust Fund Chair. “As a result, chronically homeless people either never become housed in a permanent setting, or do not stay housed. This two-year pilot program will demonstrate through innovative projects the difference that adequate supports can make in reducing the number of homeless and at-risk Edmontonians.”
“I would like to congratulate the municipalities and community organizations for their tremendous efforts in developing this innovative proposal,” said Ray Danyluk, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing. “These pilot projects will address the unique challenges that the homeless face, and provide the services that they need to become more independent.”
A report prepared by seven community-based organizations was submitted to the province last summer. It included a funding request for new prevention and support services for the absolute homeless as well as those living in transitional housing and was targeted towards adults, families, youth and those with addictions or mental health issues.
The province has committed $16 million over the next two years to fund support service pilot programs in Calgary, Edmonton, Fort McMurray, Grande Prairie, Lethbridge, Medicine Hat and Red Deer.
The Edmonton Housing Trust Fund has been a key funder of safe, affordable housing for the homeless and those at risk of becoming homeless for over seven years and has also provided limited funding for support service programs in the city.
For further information, contact:
Rob Martin, Executive Director
Edmonton Housing Trust Fund
(780) 496-2630
Robert Storrier, Communications
Alberta Municipal Affairs and Housing
(780) 427-8862
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