MILLIKEN SEES YOUTH SHELTER PROJECT AS COMMUNITY EFFORT TO ADDRESS A NEED IN KINGSTON

 (Ottawa, February 8, 1999) - Mr. Peter Milliken, Member of Parliament for Kingston and the Islands, on behalf of the Honourable Pierre Pettigrew, Minister of Human Resources Development Canada, announced $148,801 in federal funding for the Youth Shelter Project, a youth employment initiative in the Greater Kingston Area.

"This initiative will address an important need in Kingston and the Islands. It is a community-wide effort to assist homeless youth and youth at risk gain practical skills and work experience and to help them take hold of their future," Mr. Milliken said.

The Youth Shelter Project was proposed as a result of a recent study, Street Kids Survey, which identified a need for an employment program to assist homeless youth and youth at risk. It was determined that there is an increasing number of homeless youth in Kingston and that a program should be established to address their needs.

"What is unique about this program is that it is a collaborative effort. There are countless volunteers, organizations, and groups who are involved in this project. It is a community-wide response to a community-wide concern."

The program will run under the corporate umbrella of the Social Planning Council of the Kingston Area (SPC). Some of the key partners involved include the Sisters of the Hotel Dieu, who have donated a three-story building to be used for this project. Home Depot has contributed materials and labour, and architect Lily Inglis has provided her services to design the interior. Human Resources Development Canada is pleased to be a partner in this community-wide initiative to address an important concern. Its funds will be used for administrative costs as well as to provide a living stipend for the 15 participants.

For further information : Marilee Tait (613) 542-3243