"Homelessness is often considered to
be an issue that is exclusive to major urban centres,
but the reality is that there are people vulnerable to
housing instability throughout our province," noted
Minister Sullivan. "This new network, comprising
knowledgeable representatives from communities
throughout Newfoundland and Labrador, is well positioned
to create positive change through knowledge sharing,
strategy development, and advocacy. The Williams
Government is excited by the network�s potential, and I
am very pleased to announce funding that will help it
grow and develop."
The NLHHN comprises representatives
from non-profit organizations, municipal, provincial and
federal governments, and the private sector, as well as
individuals who have experienced homelessness. It was
created so that members throughout the province could
collaboratively address homelessness in all its aspects,
shape the response to homelessness throughout
Newfoundland and Labrador, and directly influence
government policy and programs.
"The Newfoundland and Labrador Housing
and Homelessness Network represents a bold and ambitious
pan-provincial approach to addressing the needs of our
most vulnerable populations, including persons with
physical and intellectual disabilities, those living
with mental illness and/or addictions, women leaving
abusive relationships, individuals leaving prison, and
troubled youth," noted David Murphy, Network
Co-ordinator. "With this funding announcement, the
Provincial Government has shown it understands that
housing stability is critical to the overall health and
social well-being of individuals and communities, and we
greatly appreciate the support."
The funding announced today was made
possible by the $1.2 million annual funding contribution
toward the Supportive Living Community Partnership
Program (SLCPP) that was announced in Budget 2009:
Building on Our Strong Foundation. The SLCPP was
created to provide funding to non-profit organizations
seeking to develop and deliver a wide range of
preventative and responsive supportive living services
to individuals with complex service needs. The SLCPP is
an initiative of the Poverty Reduction Strategy, which
was created to reduce, alleviate and prevent poverty
throughout the province. The goal of the strategy is to
make Newfoundland and Labrador the province with the
lowest level of poverty in Canada within a 10-year
period. $132.2 million was allocated in Budget 2009 to
assist with poverty reduction efforts.
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Photo # 1: The Honourable Susan Sullivan, Minister of Human
Resources, Labour and Employment, announces $95,000 in provincial funding to support the
Newfoundland and Labrador Housing and Homelessness Network.
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