BY COLETTE DERWORIZ, CALGARY HERALD | APRIL 8, 2009 7:46 AM
Social programs came out ahead in Tuesday's provincial budget as the Stelmach government committed cash toward Alberta's 10-year plan to end homelessness and boosted money for children's services.
Housing and Urban Affairs Minister Yvonne Fritz said her budget remained relatively stable, despite the turbulence rocking Alberta.
"Given these economic times, it's good news for the programs we deliver and the people we help," Fritz said Tuesday.
The 2009-10 budget for her department is $554 million--down almost $20 million from last year's budget. It includes $178 million to support construction of affordable housing units and $100 million in capital grants to support the implementation of the 10-year plan. Another $107 million will go to homeless shelters and services, and $56 million is earmarked for a rent supplement program.
"It's the first time we have committed funds for homelessness," said Fritz. "This demonstrates our commitment to ending homelessness in Alberta so it won't just be a dream anymore.
Randy Blair, who has been homeless for five months, said it's great there's more money for housing, because it will help people like him -- he has a job but can't come up with a damage deposit--get back on their feet.
But he believes there will always be homelessness.
"This dream of ending homelessness is not going to happen," said the 50-year-old Calgarian. "For some people, it's not going to happen."
Others at the shelter agreed, noting a $400-million promise to build 2,700 housing units across Alberta over the next three years won't be the solution.
"I don't think it'll be enough,"said Wayne Wason, 41.
Officials with the agency overseeing Calgary's 10-year plan to end homelessness, however, said the money will protect the province's most vulnerable.
"When times are tight, governments tend to restrict funding,"said Tim Richter, president of the Calgary Homeless Foundation.
"This makes a big difference to us,"he added, calling the three-year, $400-million commitment a "good deposit."
Meanwhile, the province has introduced tougher regulations to its Homeless and Eviction Prevention Fund, which has grown to almost $80 million.
Under regulations that took effect April 1,renters must have a household income of less than $32,000 (and as-sets of less than$7,000) to qualify for the program. The maximum benefit for rent supplements will be$550 per month for up to 12 months--nine months longer than in the past.
Other changes to social programs include an increase to the Children and Youth Services, which went up by $45 million to $1.1 billion.
It will include an increase to child intervention and foster care, more money for child care spaces and extra money to support families of children with disabilities.
story link:
http://www.calgaryherald.com/news/Alberta+budget+leaves+affordable+housing+children+services+intact/1477068/story.html
