Several New Westminster organizations are among the recipients of homelessness reduction grants from Metro Vancouver.
The Homelessness Partnering Strategy is a federally funded program that supports Canadian communities addressing homelessness. Locally, Metro Vancouver is responsible for developing funding priorities, requesting proposals, reviewing, approving and monitoring projects, plus reporting project results to Human Resources and Skills Development Canada.
"Our focus is on getting people off the streets and into the housing continuum," said Mayor Wayne Wright, who chairs Metro Vancouver's housing committee. "That begins with shelters and transitional housing."
Metro Vancouver recently announced that it has awarded $11 million in federal funding to 39 organizations that provide homeless people with shelter and relief services.
Six New West minster based organizations were among the groups receiving grants: Aunt Leah's Independent Lifeskills Society, B.C. Seniors Services and Housing Information Society, Shiloh-Sixth Avenue United Church, Spirit of the Children Society, the Elizabeth Fry Society of Greater Vancouver and WINGS.
"I'm pleased that we are providing financial assistance to organizations that help improve the lives of society's most vulnerable," said Metro Vancouver chair Greg Moore in a press release. "Our partnership with the Government of Canada helps ensure that needed funds are distributed to organizations best able to help reduce home-lessness in our region."
The funding allows the local organizations to offer new or enhanced support and outreach services.
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