Seniors, Wellness and Social Development
February 9, 2015

The following is being distributed at the request of Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation:

Finding Solutions to End Homelessness

Provincial Government Accepts "Housing First" Approach

The Provincial Government, through Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation, today released an independent consultant's report on homelessness entitled A Road Map for Ending Homelessness in Newfoundland and Labrador. The report, prepared by OrgCode Consulting Inc., included province-wide stakeholder input.

"As a government, we are committed to finding a better way to provide services to the homeless - with the ultimate goal of preventing homelessness altogether. The report recommends the adoption of a Housing First philosophy, whereby individuals in need are first provided with a safe place to live, and then provided with the supports they need to stabilize their lives. We agree with this approach. Having the security of a place to live greatly increases a person's chances to develop self-sufficiency and an improved quality of life."
- The Honourable Clyde Jackman, Minister Responsible for Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation

The report offers a series of recommendations to consider, and a steering committee representing Provincial Government and community-based organizations has been established to thoroughly review those recommendations and to map out an action plan. The Committee Chair is Kate Moffatt, Executive Director, Program Delivery and Planning, Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation. The steering committee members are named in the backgrounder below. All have expressed an interest in working together to address homelessness in this province.

"We are looking forward to working with all community partners and the relevant government departments to review the report's recommendations. I am confident we will be able to determine the best strategies and the most effective plan to prevent, reduce and eliminate homelessness throughout the province."
- Shawn Skinner, Board Chair, End Homelessness St. John's

A Road Map for Ending Homelessness in Newfoundland and Labrador includes research from other jurisdictions pertaining to the Housing First approach; how it can help to end homelessness, and how it can lead to long-term cost savings and efficiencies for governments.

"We are very pleased with the collaborative community approach the Provincial Government has taken to deal with homelessness. As a community partner, we recognize that no one entity can, or should, be responsible for ending homelessness. Together, we are stronger and can make a difference."
- Gail Tobin, Board Chair, Newfoundland and Labrador Housing and Homelessness Network

To view the report, visit the Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation website at: www.nlhc.nl.ca/documents/publications/OrgCode.pdf

QUICK FACTS

• The Provincial Government, through Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation, has released an independent report on homelessness in the province.
• A Road Map for Ending Homelessness in Newfoundland and Labrador was prepared by OrgCode Consulting Inc.
• The report recommends a Housing First philosophy, whereby individuals in need are first provided with a safe place to live, and then provided with the supports they need to stabilize their lives.
• A committee of government and community-based organizations has been established to review the report's recommendations and determine a course of action.

- 30 -

Media contacts:

Heather May Director of Communications Department of Seniors, Wellness and Social Development 709-729-0928, 697-5061 heathermay@gov.nl.ca	Jenny Bowring Manager, Communications Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation 709-724-3055 jmbowring@nlhc.nl.ca
Shawn Skinner Chair End Homelessness St. John's Skinner@nl.rogers.com	Gail Tobin Chair, NL Housing and Homelessness Network 709-730-2696 gailtobin@iriskirbyhouse.nf.net

BACKGROUNDER

Steering Committee Members

A steering committee representing Provincial Government and community-based organizations has been established to review recommendations contained in A Road Map for Ending Homelessness in Newfoundland and Labrador, and to map out an action plan. The steering committee members are listed below.

Community/Stakeholder Representatives
Gail Tobin	Board Chair, Newfoundland and Labrador Housing and Homelessness Network
Shawn Skinner	Board Chair, End Homelessness St. John's
Lisa Slaney	Past Board Chair, Rural Advisory Board
Dan Meades	Executive Director, Transition House Association, Newfoundland and Labrador
Jade Kearley	Interagency Coordinator, Canadian Mental Health Initiative
Allison Rowe	Executive Director (Acting), Community Youth Network
Evelyn Tilley	Chair, Clarenville Community Advisory Board
Allison Hagerty	Parole Officer, Labrador Parole Sub-Office, Correction Services Canada
Michelle Kinney	Deputy Minister, Health and Social Development, Nunatsiavut Government
Provincial Government Representatives
Roxie Wheaton	Assistant Deputy Minister, Advanced Education and Skills
Rick Healey	Assistant Deputy Minister, Child, Youth and Family Services
Karen Stone	Assistant Deputy Minister, (Policy and Planning) Health and Community Services
Dean Gambin	Director, (Corrections and Community Services) Justice and Public Safety
Elizabeth Day	Assistant Deputy Minister, (Community and Social Development) Seniors, Wellness and Social Development
Marilyn Field	Deputy Minister, Women's Policy Office
Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation Representatives
Kate Moffatt	Executive Director, Program Delivery and Planning, Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation
Morley Linstead	Director, Policy, Research and Monitoring Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation

2015 02 09                              2:30 p.m.