Prince George, B.C. – Local agencies interested in addressing homelessness are invited to participate in an information session this Thursday.

It will be held at the Prince George Native Friendship Centre from 3:30-5:00 pm in Room 2014 on the 2^nd Floor.

It’s all part of an effort by the United Way of Northern BC (UWNBC) and Prince George Community Partners Addressing Homelessness (CPAH) to empower local agencies to make change through funds that have become available through the federal government.

The Government of Canada’s Homelessness Partnering Strategy (HPS) offers money to organizations working to meet the needs of the homeless, or those at risk of becoming homeless and applications are now being accepted.

Ottawa’s 2013 Economic Action Plan announced that nearly $600 million will be allocated to the HPS through March 31, 2019.

The money is being distributed in 61 communities throughout the country. Last spring’s federal budget invested an additional $111.8 million, with Prince George receiving a portion of that over two years under the Designated Communities funding stream.

The HPS supports a Housing First approach, promoting community collaboration and a focus on providing support to individuals experiencing chronic and episodic homelessness, with the goal of assisting clients toward greater self-sufficiency.

The deadline for submissions is Monday, December 5, 2016 at 2:00 p.m.