Local organizations helping Edmonton’s poor and homeless got a $12.9-million boost from the federal government yesterday.
Minister of State Rob Moore announced the Homelessness Partnering Strategy (HPS) funding will go through Homeward Trust Edmonton, which will distribute the money to local organizations.
“This funding represents over $11.1 million in HPS designated community funding and over $1.8 million in HPS aboriginal communities funding,” Moore said.
“Our government is giving a hand up to Canadians with housing needs and is helping those seeking to break free of the cycle of homelessness and poverty.”
The minister said the money will go towards finding local solutions to local problems. It will provide transitional and supportive housing, as well as support services, to homeless and at-risk individuals in the communities most in need.
Mayor Stephen Mandel said the reduction in homelessness contributes to a 16.5 per cent reduction in crime in the city.
“When you don’t have as many homeless people on the street, it allows them (police) to be more diligent,” Mandel said. “It also attributes to that we’ve hired 200 more policemen, more cops on the street makes a big difference.”
