Additional funding provided to help homeless

The provincial government has announced that seven cities will be receiving approximately $60 million to help the homeless. As part of the Outreach Support Services Initiative, the funding is providing $12.3 million more than 2011. Funds will go towards permanent supportive housing and support services to help address homelessness. Funding has been provided to organizations in Calgary, Edmonton, Grande Prairie, Fort McMurray, Red Deer, Lethbridge and Medicine Hat. In addition, Alberta Health has contributed $5 million from the Addiction and Mental Health Strategy  to enhance addiction and mental health services for homeless people in Calgary, Edmonton and Lethbridge. Alberta’s 10-year Plan to End Homelessness completed its third year in March 2012. More than 6,000 formerly homeless people, including 1,255 families, now have a home with support to remain housed. The overall budget to support Alberta’s homeless population this year is $110 million.