On December 16, 1999, Cabinet approved a three-year demonstration initiative to contribute to reducing homelessness in Canada. Overall the Government of Canada is investing $753 million over three years to help alleviate and prevent homelessness across Canada. The National Homelessness Initiative has at its core the following set of strategic objectives:
- Facilitate community capacity by coordinating Government of Canada efforts and enhancing the diversity of tools and resources;
- Foster effective partnerships and investment that contribute to addressing the immediate and multifaceted needs of the homeless and reducing homelessness in Canada; and
- Increase awareness and understanding of homelessness in Canada.