Victoria, BC– The Capital Regional District (CRD) is amending their agreement with the Government of Canada to include additional funding for the region through the federal Homelessness Partnering Strategy (HPS). The CRD is eligible to receive an additional amount of $446,736, bringing the total amount to $4,409,503 over a five-year agreement ending March 31, 2019.
“Housing affordability and availability is a critical issue in the capital region and it requires a strong regional response,” said Steve Price, CRD Board Chair. “These additional funds are a positive investment and are much needed in our region as we continue to work together to reduce and prevent homelessness in our community.”
The additional funding for 2018-19 was announced in the Government of Canada’s Budget 2017. It is comprised of $228,198 through the Designated Communities funding stream, $168,628 through the Aboriginal Homelessness funding stream and $44,910 toward participation in a national Coordinated Point in Time Homeless Count.
“I’m pleased that we are helping the Capital Regional District in Victoria to provide support to the local community,” said the Honourable Jean-Yves Duclos, Minister of Families, Children and Social Development. “Through such projects, vulnerable people facing homelessness will also be connected to support programs and services that they need.”
HPS is a community-based program aimed at preventing and reducing homelessness by providing direct support and funding to 61 designated communities and to organizations that address Aboriginal homelessness across Canada.
“This round of HPS funding has been instrumental in supporting community service organizations in housing and offering support services to some of the region’s most vulnerable residents,” said Lisa Helps, Coalition Co-Chair and Mayor of the City of Victoria. “We are delighted to have the Government of Canada at the table and look forward to these additional and much-needed community resources.”
The CRD is the approved Community Entity for Greater Victoria and works with the Greater Victoria Coalition to End Homelessness as the local Community Advisory Board. Over the past seven years, HPS funding has been used to support capital projects and services oriented toward reducing and preventing homelessness in the region.
For more information about CRD housing programs, visit https://www.crd.bc.ca/about/what-we-do/regional-housing/housing-policy-and-programs/regional-housing
Proud to be recognized as one of BC’s Top Employers and Canada’s Greenest Employers, the CRD delivers regional, sub-regional and local services to 13 municipalities and three electoral areas on southern Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands. Governed by a 24-member Board of Directors, the CRD works collaboratively with First Nations and all levels of government to enable sustainable growth, foster community well-being, and develop cost-effective infrastructure while continuing to provide core services to residents throughout the region. Visit us online at www.crd.bc.ca.
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For media inquiries, please contact:
Andy Orr, Senior Manager
CRD Corporate Communications
Tel: 250.360.3229
Cell: 250.216.5492