Grand Opening of Stars for Life Home and Resource Centre in Charlottetown

CHARLOTTETOWN, PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND--(Marketwire - Aug. 22, 2011) - The Governments of Canada and Prince Edward Island, along with community partners, attended the grand opening of Stars for Life Home and Resource Centre today. The affordable housing development is a five-unit building for non elderly singles with all units intended for persons with disabilities. The project is supported by $250,000 in funding under the Canada – Prince Edward Island Affordable Housing Agreement, $140,850 from Human Resources and Skills Development Canada's Homelessness Partnership Strategy, a land donation from the Government of Prince Edward Island and $44,000 in work experience funding from the provincial Department of Innovation and Advanced Learning.

The Honourable Mike Duffy, Senator for Prince Edward Island, on behalf of the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development and Minister Responsible for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC); and the Honourable Janice Sherry, Minister of Community Services, Seniors and Labour attended the event.

"The Government of Canada is dedicated to helping those in need on the Island and across Canada," said Senator Duffy. "Through projects like Stars for Life, our Government is providing safe, affordable housing to people with disabilities in our community while also creating jobs and stimulating our economy."

"It is with great pleasure that the province of Prince Edward Island celebrates the grand opening of the Stars for Life Home and Resource Centre," said Minister Sherry. "This newly constructed residence serves as a safe and accessible home for residents living with disabilities. It is a resourceful building in which persons living with disabilities can learn and grow as valued members of our society."

The Stars for Life Home and Resource Centre, located on Maypoint Road in Charlottetown, features five apartments for persons living with disabilities. There are two one-bedroom independent living units that have private entrances, and three units for residents who require support. There is additional living space for persons offering support overnight and a large common area with a community kitchen.

The Stars for Life building also offers a resource centre and respite unit to families who care for a person living with autism spectrum disorder. Foundation board members recently moved into their new office space within the centre that features a large boardroom.

"The board of directors of the Stars for Life Foundation is thrilled to see the completion of the first home and resource centre for autism on Prince Edward Island," said Stars for Life Foundation President Carolyn Bateman. "This project is the first step in providing lifelong living and learning opportunities to our increasing population of young adults with autism."

The Stars for Life Foundation aims to create a quality of life for young people with autism spectrum disorder. The foundation encourages entire community inclusion with a commitment to continued education, life and job skills training and inclusion.

In 2008, the Government of Canada committed more than $1.9 billion over five years to improve and build new affordable housing and to help the homeless. As part of this investment, the Affordable Housing Initiative and the federal renovation programs for low-income households were extended for two years, which represented some $3 million in federal funding for Prince Edward Island. A new agreement signed in July 2011 by both orders of government implements P.E.I.'s allocation of the remaining three years of the $1.9 billion, which amounts to a further $4.4 million in federal funding for P.E.I. residents in housing need.

The Homelessness Partnering Strategy (HPS) is a unique community-based program aimed at preventing and reducing homelessness by providing direct support and funding to 61 designated communities across Canada. The HPS took effect April 1, 2007, with annual funding of $134.8 million for two years. As part of the Government of Canada's commitment of more than $1.9 billion in housing and homelessness over five years, the Government of Canada has renewed the HPS at the current funding level of $134.8 million per year, for the next three years, until March 2014.

The Provincial Department of Community Services, Seniors and Labour is committed to helping persons with disabilities of Prince Edward Island reach their full potential. To this end the Department operates housing units across the province for families, seniors and persons with disabilities who need help finding affordable, appropriate homes. The Seniors' Housing program supports housing units in 35 communities across the province. Islanders aged 60 and older are eligible for assistance. The Province partners with the Government of Canada to provide these enhancements to housing options on Prince Edward Island.

To find out more about how the Government of Canada and CMHC are working to build stronger homes and communities for all Canadians, call CMHC at 1-800-668-2642 or visit www.cmhc.ca/housingactionplan. For more information on Canada's Economic Action Plan, call 1-800-O Canada or visit www.actionplan.gc.ca.