$5.6 Million To House and Support Chronically Homeless, Aboriginals and Youth

CALGARY, ALBERTA--(Marketwire - Sept. 9, 2011) - Today, the Calgary Homeless Foundation (CHF) issued three Requests for Proposals (RFPs) including $3 million in provincial homelessness funding targeting chronically homeless individuals living in emergency shelters, about $1.6 million over three years from the Government of Canada's Homelessness Partnering Strategy (HPS) to begin implementing Calgary's Plan to End Youth Homelessness, and $1 million in HPS capital funding to support new affordable housing or capital infrastructure.

"Over the past four years of implementing the 10 Year Plan to End Homelessness, we have learned a lot about which populations are particularly vulnerable and require unique housing and support solutions," said Tim Richter, President and CEO of the CHF. "These funds will target those who have been in the emergency shelter system a long time, Aboriginal People who are over represented among the homeless and youth who are especially vulnerable."

The first RFP will award up to $3 million in permanent housing and supports for between 200 to 300 chronically homeless singles who mainly live in emergency shelters. At least one contract will be awarded to an Aboriginal program. The funds come from an Outreach and Support Services grant from the Government of Alberta Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs.

"We know from experience that Aboriginal People have unique housing and support needs that are often better served by other Aboriginal people," said Richter. "This funding will go a long way to help build capacity among Aboriginal service organizations to provide housing and support for those at risk of or experiencing homelessness."

The second RFP is for prevention or housing and intense support programs for youth who are at risk of or experiencing homelessness, particularly those who are highly involved in public systems (i.e. corrections, child intervention, health, etc.). A total of $1,616,049 is available for the remainder of 2011 until March 2013. This funding is provided by the Government of Canada's Homelessness Partnering Strategy.

The third RFP will award $1 million in capital funds for property acquisition, construction, or renovations and site improvements in support of ending homelessness in Calgary. This funding is provided by the Government of Canada's Homelessness Partnering Strategy.

All RFP documents are available online.

The Calgary Homeless Foundation leads the implementation of Calgary's 10 Year Plan in partnership with the many homeless serving agencies, the private sector, our government partners, the faith community, other foundations and all Calgarians to end homelessness in Calgary once and for all. Calgarians wishing to contribute by making donations or volunteering are encouraged to visit the CHF website: www.calgaryhomeless.com.