In 1999, the National Homelessness Initiative (NHI) was announced by the Government of Canada to respond to urgent calls to address growing homelessness in Canada – starting with an investment of $753 million over 3 years (2000-2002). In 2003, the NHI was renewed to 2005, with a further $405 million in federal funding, and again for one year in 2006 with $134.8 million.

The $269.6 million Homelessness Partnering Strategy (HPS) replaced the NHI in 2007-2008, and has been extended through 2009-2010 and 2011-2013 to help governments and communities put in place long-term plans to address homelessness. The HPS focuses on a “housing first” approach, designed to foster structures and supports needed to move homeless and at-risk individuals towards self-sufficiency and full participation in Canadian society.

Between 2000-2013, $15,417,131 million has been allocated through the NHI and Homelessness Partnering Strategy (HPS) in Newfoundland and Labrador to help address homelessness, part of a total federal HPS investment of $21.7 million during this period, including $18.3 million invested in St. John’s, and $3.4 million in rural NL. Annually, $697,425 is allocated for St. John’s, and $543,769 for Rural Newfoundland and Labrador.