Federal investment in a new research study will lead to better understanding of the needs of Canadian families who are homeless or at risk of homelessness in small cities. The announcement was made by the Honourable James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages and Minister Responsible for British Columbia, on behalf of the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development.

“Our government is giving a hand up to Canadians with housing needs to help them break free from the cycle of homelessness and poverty,” said Minister Moore. “We are pleased to partner with the Social Planning and Research Council of British Columbia (SPARC BC). Through partnerships like this one, we are helping to raise awareness of and prevent homelessness.”

“This project will result in action-oriented research about the pathways in and out of homelessness for families in Kelowna, Kamloops, Nelson, Nanaimo and Prince George,” said Scott Graham, Manager of Research and Consulting, SPARC BC. “The Government of Canada's investment in this important research will create an information foundation from which community-based strategies can be implemented that will improve the well-being of families with children who have or are currently experiencing homelessness.”

Homelessness Partnering Strategy (HPS) funding of over $88,000 will be used by SPARC BC to identify ways to help families find stable housing in small cities. SPARC BC will share the results to help other communities address family homelessness.

In September 2008, the Government of Canada committed to investing more than $1.9 billion in housing and homelessness programs over five years. As part of this commitment, the Government of Canada has renewed the HPS until March 2014.