MP Cheryl Gallant Calls For Proposals for HOMELESSNESS PARTNERING STRATEGY Application deadline is 4pm EST, Monday, February 8, 2010.

December 30, 2009

Cheryl Gallant, MP, with Captain Robert Spurrell of the Salvation Army, loading up his van for Christmas deliveries.


PEMBROKE, ONTARIO… Cheryl Gallant, MP Renfrew-Nipissing-Pembroke Ontario invites communities and organizations to submit proposals to request funding through the (HPS) Outreach Communities Initiative for Ontario.

“Usually, it is during times of tragedy, like a fire, do we think about people who are homeless, or who have become homeless. Our community has always been responsive to the needs of our fellow citizens,” remarked Cheryl Gallant, MP. “While Renfrew-Nipissing-Pembroke is not identified as a community with a significant problem with homelessness, if there is a problem, I need to know about it. I invite interested individuals who feel there is a need, to step forward with a proposal.”

The Homelessness Partnering Strategy is aimed at the prevention and reduction of homelessness across Canada. The HPS adopts a “housing-first” approach which recognizes that housing stability is a precondition to enhancing the successful outcomes of other interventions. The HPS - Outreach Communities Initiative is for small and mid-sized cities and towns, rural and Northern communities in Ontario (outside of existing “Designated Communities”), and aims to fill gaps in addressing homelessness. HPS – Outreach Communities priorities for Ontario are:

Prevention Measures
•    Transitional, Supportive and Longer-term Housing and Services
•    Emergency Facilities and Urgent Needs Services
•    Improvement of Community Services and Service Delivery Networks
•    Innovative approaches to community capacity building or community planning

Approximately $1.3-million will be allocated for Outreach Communities in Ontario. All
project activities should be completed by December 31, 2010.

“For some, the threat of homelessness is real. The fact that it has not been identified by senior levels of government as a local problem does not mean it does not exist. I am proud to live in a caring community. The concern we extend to our fellow citizens extends now and throughout the year,” concluded Cheryl Gallant, MP.


How To Apply:

Any interested applicant should contact The Office of Cheryl Gallant, MP for a copy of the application form. When requesting the application form please be prepared to provide the following:
•    Contact name and information for the applicant
•    Type of organization (e.g. registered charity)
•    Where the project activity will occur; and
•    A brief description of the proposal concept (approximately 50 words or less)


The purpose of this information gathering is to verify project eligibility prior to
organizations proceeding with a full application form.

Only proposals using the official application form will be accepted.
Application deadline is 4pm EST, Monday, February 8, 2010.

Who Can Apply:

Applications and proposals for non-profit activities will be accepted from:
•    Registered Charities;
•    Not-for-profit organizations;
•    Municipal governments;
•    For-profit enterprises for non-profit activities;
•    Public health and educational institutions;
•    Band/tribal councils and other Aboriginal organizations; and
•    Community groups sponsored by an incorporated body.

Outreach Communities funding primarily targets smaller cities, rural or outlying areas, and the north. Outreach communities do not have to develop community plans, but their requests for funding must include proof of support from a wide range of community partners. This funding is expected to primarily support projects that fill specific gaps in the infrastructure of smaller cities and northern and rural areas to address homelessness. Outreach communities are encouraged to seek other partners including provincial and territorial governments and municipalities. Outreach Communities funding does not require a matching contribution from community partners, but it is encouraged.