Vulnerable Canadians who are homeless and suffering from mental illness will benefit from research examining ways to prevent evictions, as a result of federal funding provided to the University of Winnipeg. The Honourable Vic Toews, Minister of Public Safety and Member of Parliament for Provencher, made the announcement today on behalf of the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development.
“Our government is giving a hand up to vulnerable Canadians to help them meet their basic needs and break free from the cycle of homelessness and poverty. We are pleased to support the University of Winnipeg in its efforts to work with local organizations to find solutions to local problems,” said Minister Toews. “By supporting local organizations in their efforts to provide essential services to people in need, we are doing our part to prevent and address homelessness in Manitoba”.
With this investment of over $77,000, through the Homelessness Partnering Strategy (HPS), the University of Winnipeg will conduct research and create a toolkit outlining best practices to maintain housing stability and prevent eviction among people with mental illnesses.
“This toolkit will support communities and housing service providers in their efforts to maintain stable housing for people with mental illnesses who are at high risk of homelessness,” said Mr. Jino Distasio, Director of the Institute of Urban Studies, University of Winnipeg.
In September 2008, the Government committed to more than $1.9 billion in housing and homelessness programs over five years. As part of this commitment, the Government of Canada has renewed the HPS until March 2014.
