Housing for Homeless People with Disabilities Opens Doors

CALGARY, Alberta, October 19, 2007 — Mr Art Hanger, Member of Parliament for Calgary Northeast, on behalf of the Honourable Monte Solberg, Minister of Human Resources and Social Development, today recognized the official opening of Calgary’s Kootenay Lodge, a transitional housing facility for homeless persons and persons at risk of homelessness with physical disabilities.

“Our government is delivering on its commitment to help individuals who are homeless and at risk of becoming homeless. This project will offer homeless people with disabilities safe housing and the support they need to become more independent and enjoy a better quality of life,” said MP Hanger.

The Government of Canada provided funding of over $1 million for the purchase and renovation of the facility.

Kootenay Lodge, named after Ms. Beryl Kootenay — a well-known local advocate for the needs of persons with physical disabilities — provides transitional housing for at-risk persons with physical disabilities in the Calgary area. The lodge has been adapted to meet universal accessibility standards and the specific needs of its residents.

The Government of Canada’s Homelessness Partnering Strategy is providing $270 million over two years to help communities across Canada combat homelessness more effectively. The Strategy puts in place structures and supports that help those at risk achieve self-sufficiency, and fosters partnerships aimed at realizing concrete results.

The Government is also committed to ensuring that Canadians with disabilities enjoy full participation in society and contribute to the community to their full potential. In Budget 2007, the Government announced the new Registered Disability Savings Plan to help parents and others save money to care for children with severe disabilities. It also announced the Enabling Accessibility Fund with $45 million over three years to contribute to the cost of improving physical accessibility for persons with disabilities, and invested $233 million to support programs delivered by the provinces and territories that help people with disabilities find and keep meaningful employment.

Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) provided $320,000 in funding under the Residential Rehabilitation Assistance Program (RRAP). CMHC’s renovation programs, including RRAP, help preserve the quality of existing affordable housing. Through RRAP for persons with disabilities, funding is available for home modifications to improve accessibility, thereby helping low-income people with a disability to live independently in their home.

For more information on the federal government’s Homelessness Partnering Strategy, visit www.homelessness.gc.ca.

This news release is available in alternative formats upon request.

For more information (media only):

Pema Lhalungpa
Press Secretary
Office of Minister Solberg
819-994-2482

Media Relations Office
Human Resources and Social Development Canada
819-994-5559

Kimberlee Jones
Media Relations Office
CMHC
403-515-3048