$2.4 million for Housing First homelessness program

NEWS — Kamloops-Thompson-Cariboo MP Cathy McLeod announced more than $2,400,000 in funding Thursday through the City of Kamloops as it implements Housing First, a homelessness program.

Housing First is part of the federal Homelessness Partnering Strategy (HPS). It aims to stabilize the lives of homeless individuals for the long-term by first moving them into permanent housing and then providing additional support for underlying issues, such as addiction and mental health.

The end goal is ensuring they become self-sufficient, fully participating members of society, said McLeod.

“Through this new approach, we can move out of crisis mode in terms of managing homelessness and work towards eliminating it altogether, building stronger communities and ensuring Canada’s long-term prosperity,” she said.

The City will receive the funding over five years to support projects in the community that prevent and reduce homelessness, including projects that address the needs of the Aboriginal homeless population.