The Homelessness Partnering Strategy (HPS) is a unique community-based program initiated through the Government of Canada and aimed at preventing and reducing homelessness using a Housing First approach. This involves providing individuals who are chronically or episodically homeless and living on the streets, in parks or homeless shelters with the choice to access long-term, tenant-based housing. Once housed, individuals are given the opportunity to receive support services that assist in their recovery and integration into the community.
Employment and Social Development Canada has awarded HPS funding to the CRD for a five year period (2014-2019). The CRD’s Housing Program and Planning area acts as the Community Entity (administrator) for the federal HPS program. The CRD works with the Board of Directors of the Greater Victoria Coalition to End Homelessness, the HPS Community Advisory Board, to identify and recommend projects to receive funding to help reduce and prevent homelessness.