Funding Assistance for Youth Shelter

The Housing Services division of the Department of Community Services is providing $297,000 toward the creation of a youth shelter in Halifax operated by Phoenix Youth Programs.

The 20-bed facility will offer a range of services, including safe accommodations for youth between the ages of 16 and 24.

"We are pleased to provide this funding and support for a needed service in the metro area," said Peter Christie, Minister of Community Services. "We welcome all efforts to address the pressing issue of homelessness, which requires the cooperation of all levels of government and the community."

Provincial funding for the shelter is being contributed as part of the National Homelessness Initiative. Funding of $1.3 million for this project comes from the Supporting Communities Partnership Initiative (SCPI). Through SCPI, the government of Canada funds up to 50 per cent of the cost of implementing projects that communities have identified as priorities.

"The Government of Canada is pleased to be involved in this initiative since this shelter helps close the gap in services available to youth in this area," said Robert Thibault, Minister of State for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, on behalf of Claudette Bradshaw, Minister of Labour and federal co- ordinator on homelessness.

St. Paul's Home, a non-profit organization, is providing the building and property for the youth shelter.

The shelter will offer clothing, food and other daily essentials; counselling and therapeutic support to enable youth to move forward to a safer, healthier and more productive lifestyle; and social skills development. Support and guidance in areas such as housing arrangements, education and career exploration, income assistance, physical and mental health assessments and treatments, substance abuse counselling, parenting support and recreational opportunities.

The Department of Community Services already provides annual funding of about $657,000 to Phoenix Youth Programs, which has been providing support to at-risk and homeless youth between the ages of 16 and 24, since 1987. In addition to their new youth shelter, Phoenix Youth Programs operates six programs in the Halifax area that provide a continuum of care for youth in the community, such as crisis intervention and assistance, support to achieve long-term structured and independent living, after-care services, and education and employment counselling.

Community Services 902-424-4038 E-mail: peckto@gov.ns.ca

Tim Crooks Phoenix Youth Programs 902-420-0676

Jeff Conrad Human Resources Development Canada 902-426-3815

David Klug Office of the Minister of Labour 819-953-5646