March 18, 2002

KINGSTON, ONTARIO—Home Base Non-Profit Housing has introduced a program that will increase services available to the homeless of Kingston.  The Honourable Peter Milliken, Member of Parliament for Kingston and the Islands, welcomed the announcement of $10,054 in funding under the Supporting Communities Partnership Initiative (SCPI), of the National Homelessness Initiative, by the Honourable Claudette Bradshaw, Minister of Labour and Federal Co-ordinator on Homelessness, to help Home Base Non-Profit Housing hire an outreach worker to increase existing street outreach services. 

“Ensuring that Canada’s youth are given every opportunity to succeed is a responsibility we must fulfill,” said Mr. Milliken. “I am delighted that the federal government and Home Base Non-Profit Housing can work together to support invaluable projects such as this one, which will improve the future of Kingston’s at-risk youth population.” 

The Government of Canada’s contribution will enable Home Base Non-Profit Housing to hire a street outreach worker to increase existing outreach services from 8 to 30 hours a week.  This increased presence on the streets will make it easier for homeless and at-risk youth to access food, clothing, and sheltering services.  In addition, this new worker will be able to collect information on homelessness and share their knowledge with the general public, therefore raising overall awareness of the issue.

“Thanks to the Government of Canada and SCPI, Home Base Housing will be able to increase our Street Outreach service within the City of Kingston,” said Bill Crosier, Program Manager at Home Base Housing.  “Home Base continues to help individuals who are at risk and our Street Outreach program provides immediate assistance to individuals living on the streets.” 

The SCPI enables communities to bring together various partners to develop local solutions to their particular homelessness needs and issues.  The $305-million SCPI is a key component of the Government of Canada’s $753-million National Homelessness Initiative.  Through the SCPI, communities in Ontario will receive over $99 million to prevent and alleviate homelessness. 

The National Homelessness Initiative is making a difference by using a community-based approach to help develop solutions that work for communities.  Funding for the Initiative was provided for in the December 2001 federal Budget and is built into the existing fiscal framework. 

For more information on the Government of Canada’s National Homelessness Initiative, visit our Web site at www.hrdc.gc.ca/homelessness

For more information, contact: 

Bob Howsam, Government of Canada: (416) 954-7810                                              

David Klug, Minister Bradshaw’s office: (819) 953-5646

Bill Crosier, Home Base Non-Profit Housing: (613) 531-3779