Government of Canada helps people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness in Prince George

Prince George, British Columbia, April 17, 2012—People who are homeless or at risk of homelessness in Prince George will have greater access to food and employment services, announced Bob Zimmer, Member of Parliament for Prince George–Peace River, on behalf of the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development.

“The Government of Canada is giving a hand-up to Canadians with housing needs and is helping people seeking to break free from the cycle of homelessness and poverty,” said Mr. Zimmer. “By working together to provide essential services for people in need, we are doing our part to address and prevent homelessness in Prince George.”

“The funding that the Saint Vincent de Paul Society is receiving through the Homelessness Partnership Strategy is a tremendous blessing,” said Bernadette Goold, President of the Saint Vincent de Paul Society, Prince George, B.C. “It will be used to employ two and a half staff members to support our meals and family hamper programs at our drop-in centre.”

The Saint Vincent de Paul Society is receiving more than $90,000 in Homelessness Partnering Strategy funding for its “Sustaining Positive Growth” project, which will help over 4 200 people through a variety of food services. Over the course of one year, staff will prepare and distribute food hampers, serve nutritious meals at the drop-in centre and host community dinners during major holidays.

“Working, contributing to one’s community and giving back—these values are core to our identity as Canadians,” said Alison Hagreen, Executive Director of the Prince George Brain Injured Group Society. “We are thrilled that with this grant we are able to continue to assist struggling Canadians to add “worker” and “employee” to the many labels that society applies to them.

The Prince George Brain Injured Group Society is receiving Homelessness Partnering Strategy funding of over $40,000 for its “Beyond Survival” project. The society will partner with local service providers and businesses to find full-time, part-time and volunteer work opportunities for a minimum of 80 people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness.

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 This news release is available in alternative formats upon request.

For further information (media only):

Alyson Queen
Director of Communications
Office of Minister Finley
819-994-2482

Media Relations Office
Human Resources and Skills Development Canada
819-994-5559
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