HAMILTON, Ontario, April 28, 2005 — The Native Women's Centre, a 12-bed shelter for Aboriginal women and their children, will receive $260,000 in funding under Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation's (CMHC) Shelter Enhancement Program.
The announcement was made today by Member of Parliament for Hamilton East-Stoney Creek and Leader of the Government in the House Commons, the Honourable Tony Valeri, on behalf of the Honourable Joe Fontana, Minister of Labour and Housing, during a tree planting ceremony at the site of one of the Centre's shelters in east Hamilton.
"This project is an excellent example of how the Government of Canada is working with local groups to help provide safe and secure accommodations," said Minister Valeri. "The renovations will allow the Native Women's Centre to continue in its efforts to provide shelter to those in need, and ensure that they are safe during a difficult time in their lives."
"Victims of domestic violence, who live in Hamilton, need to know that there is always somewhere, and someone that they can turn to for support," said Hamilton Mayor Larry Di Ianni. "I am confident that the funding announced today, for the Native Women's Centre, will allow the centre to augment its programs to provide transitional housing and further assist women and their children in the mending process."
"This funding will help ensure that those most in need will continue to receive the support they need," said Linda Ense, Executive Director of Native Women's Centre. "The renovations to the shelter will benefit the residents for years to come."
CMHC's Shelter Enhancement Program assists in repairing, rehabilitating, and improving existing shelters for women and children, youth or men who are victims of family violence, and in acquiring or building new shelters and second-stage housing where needed.
The Hamilton-Wentworth Chapter of Native Women Incorporated, operating as Native Women's Centre provides emergency shelter for women and their children, regardless of age, ancestry, culture, place of origin, sexual orientation, with or without children who are in transition from abusive situations, addictions, homelessness or conflict with the law. Native Women's Centre offers other services including counselling in job placements, housing, education, cultural welfare, Aboriginal rights and childcare. The Centre operates two shelters; this funding will be used towards major repairs at the original facility.
CMHC is Canada's national housing agency with a mandate to help Canadians gain access to safe, quality and affordable housing. CMHC supports the Canadian housing industry and improves the living conditions of Canadians through mortgage loan insurance and securitization, assisted housing, research and information transfer and the promotion of Canadian housing exports.
For further information, please contact:
Linda Ense
Native Women's Centre
(905) 522-1501
Peter Graham
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of Labour and Housing
(819) 953-5646
Angelina Ritacco
CMHC
(416) 250-3286