The Government of Alberta has approved an ambitious 10-year plan aimed at ending homelessness in Alberta by 2019.
The plan, developed by the Alberta Secretariat for Action on Homelessness, identifies specific actions and immediate priorities to support the creation of permanent, safe housing for the homeless and outlines the associated services needed to break the cycle of homelessness. The provincial 10-year plan aligns with, and supports, municipal plans to end homelessness. “I want to thank the members of the Alberta Secretariat for developing this outstanding plan,” said Yvonne Fritz Minister of Housing and Urban Affairs. “They have addressed the complex and often interconnected issues related to homelessness and highlighted the need to provide homeless people with a safe, permanent place to live.”
The plan adopts a ‘Housing First’ approach of providing immediate housing along with client-centred support services such as mental health services, addictions counseling, employment training and other tailored supports as needed. Other jurisdictions in North America such as Portland and New York City have found the approach to be successful and sustainable over the long term.
“This plan, combined with the support of the provincial government and our communities, means we can ultimately end homelessness in our province,” said Steve Snyder, Chair, Alberta Secretariat for Action on Homelessness. “In preparing our plan, the Secretariat has received the support of many organizations and individuals. Their tireless efforts have been instrumental in ensuring Alberta leads Canada on this key social issue.”
Premier Ed Stelmach established the Alberta Secretariat for Action on Homelessness in January 2008. The 12-member group worked closely with municipalities and non-profit organizations to explore the best practices and successful programs from across North America. The Secretariat and the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs will work with municipalities and communities to implement this plan.
Additional details on implementing and funding this 10-year strategy to end homelessness will be outlined next month as part of Budget 2009.
Along with developing a 10-year provincial plan to end homelessness, the Alberta government has a plan to create 11,000 affordable housing units by 2012. To date, Alberta has supported the development of 5,600 affordable housing units.
Copies of the Report are available from www.alberta.ca
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Media inquiries may be directed to:
Barbra Korol
Director
Communications
Housing and Urban Affairs
780-644-6838
barbra.korol@gov.ab.ca
DYNACOR MEDIA