Alberta is moving forward on its 10-year provincial strategy to end homelessness and this year will provide 1,000 individuals with permanent housing and client-centred supports aimed at addressing the underlying cause of homelessness.
“Albertans want and deserve safe, strong and caring communities,” said Premier Ed Stelmach. “By providing our most vulnerable citizens with shelter and connecting them with the right programs and services, we will make a true difference in their lives and in our communities.” Work will begin immediately on the following five priority actions:
- aggressive assistance to prevent homelessness;
- better information on the extent of homelessness in the province;
- coordinated systems to connect the homeless with necessary programs and services;
- effective government policies to eliminate barriers to rapid re-housing; and
- more housing options to increase the availability of permanent housing with supports.
Alberta released Canada’s first 10-year plan to end homelessness in March 2009. Budget ’09 outlined a three-year, $400-million capital commitment that will create 2,700 housing units specifically for the homeless. As part of that commitment $100 million in capital funding was allocated this year to create 700 housing units with an additional $32 million to address and resolve the causes of homelessness.
"This funding represents the first step to end homelessness as we know it today," said Yvonne Fritz, Minister of Housing and Urban Affairs. "With the continued help from local community agencies, volunteers, municipalities and other partners, we will begin immediate work on the five priority areas identified in Alberta's 10-year plan."
To find out more about the 10-year plan to end homelessness or the province’s affordable housing programs visit www.housing.alberta.ca.
Backgrounder: Program guidelines and implementation plan
Media inquiries may be directed to:
Barbra Korol, Communications
Housing and Urban Affairs
780-644-6838 / cell 780-966-8141
barbra.korol@gov.ab.ca
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