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Approximately 100 homeless youth are expected to continue to benefit from an improved emergency shelter facility in Kamloops. Ms. Cathy McLeod, Member of Parliament for Kamloops–Thompson–Cariboo, 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 Canadians with housing needs, and is helping those seeking to break free from the cycle of homelessness and poverty," said Ms. McLeod. "We are pleased to support Interior Community Services in its efforts to provide a safe and healthy living environment where homeless youth can get the support they need."

Interior Community Services will receive over $49,000 through the Government of Canada's Homelessness Partnering Strategy to renovate and upgrade the Kamloops Safe House, an emergency shelter for youth who are homeless. As a result of this funding, the shelter's exterior and interior will be repaired and painted, new windows, doors and flooring will be installed, and a drain pit will be built. These renovations will extend the life of the facility, while transforming it into a healthier and safer place.

"Interior Community Services is grateful to HRSDC for supporting the work being done at the Kamloops Safe House," said Ms. Kelly Kelland, Chief Executive Officer of Interior Community Services. "This project will both enhance the community and enrich the lives of all individuals who access this service."

In September 2008, the Government of Canada announced an investment of $1.9 billion over five years, until 2014, for housing and homelessness programs for low-income Canadians. This commitment gives the Government the flexibility to work with the provinces and territories and municipalities, and with charitable organizations, to develop ways to improve the effectiveness of federal spending in the area of housing and homelessness.

Canada's Economic Action Plan has built on these investments by making an additional one-time investment of more than $2 billion over two years in new and existing social housing, and by making available up to $2 billion in loans to Canadian municipalities over two years for housing-related infrastructure improvements. The Government's investments are creating jobs, stimulating local economies and improving the quality of life for many Canadians. To learn more about Canada's Economic Action Plan, please visit www.actionplan.gc.ca.

The availability of safe and stable housing and related supports is an important element in addressing homelessness and helping individuals who are homeless achieve greater self-sufficiency and a better quality of life. The Homelessness Partnering Strategy emphasizes longer-term supportive and transitional housing by focusing on a housing-first approach to help people make the transition out of the cycle of homelessness.

For more information on the Homelessness Partnering Strategy, please visit www.hrsdc.gc.ca/homelessness. //Marketwire