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Government of Canada and Province of Manitoba Help People Who are Homeless or At Risk of Homelessness in Winnipeg

WINNIPEG, MANITOBA, April 11, 2012—The Government of Canada and the Province of Manitoba are helping people who are working to build stronger futures for themselves in Winnipeg. Ms. Joyce Bateman, Member of Parliament forWinnipeg South Centre, on behalf of the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development, along with Mr. Rob Altemeyer, MLA for Wolseley, on behalf of the Honourable Kerri Irvin-Ross, Manitoba Minister of Housing and Community Development, today announced $127,968 for two projects in Winnipeg.

“Our government is giving a hand-up to Canadianswith housing needs and helping break the cycle of homelessness and poverty,” said Ms. Bateman. “We are pleased to be working with the North End Women’s Centre and Red Road Lodge in their efforts to find local solutions to local problems. By working together, we are creating community projects and partnerships to improve and create services and facilities for homeless and at-risk individuals.”

"These projects demonstrate another co-ordinated effort between government and the community to address issues relating to homelessness in Winnipeg,” said Mr. Altemeyer. “We are pleased to join with our community partners in supporting adults, youth and children in need, while assisting them to achieve greater self-sufficiency and independence.”

“Betty Berg House is a second-stage housing facility for women in recovery from addictions that offers support services to increase opportunities for participating women to move towards self-sufficiency and to secure long-term stable housing,” said Heather Leeman, Executive Director. “The North End Women’s Centre is pleased to partner with HRSDC’s Homelessness Partnering Strategy which enables us to provide these much-needed support services to women who are dealing with issues of mental health, addictions, safety, and homelessness.”

“The Red Road Lodge initiative has focused on reducing homelessness and the risk of eviction by stabilizing and supporting successful housing through our START and REACH programs. Additionally, our free Community Resource Centre provides creative alternative activities that nurture addiction recovery and mental health,” said Beverly Roberts, General Manager. “Since 2009, the federal and provincial governments have funded our life skills programming, which has assisted over 1,800 community residents with basic needs services, specific referrals and life skills training to help them move towards independence, self-sufficiency and wellness.”