Thank you all for coming today…..

 

I would like to acknowledge the Songhees and Esquimalt Nations in whose traditional territories we live and work.

Hay sxw qa.

 

I want to start with a quote that I think is very important:

 

In 1965 Lester B Pearson said to a meeting of the Ontario Association of Housing

 

 

 

I can’t tell you how pleased I am to get a shovel in the ground and get this project moving

Projects like 950 Humboldt are vital in our effort to end homelessness –

This project will help provide desperately needed housing for 44 people in our community

 

– but it will also ensure they are supported and given the opportunity to thrive

 

Here we have a positive example of what can be achieved when government and community act in partnership.

 

And an example that will encourage us to continue our efforts, and put an end to homelessness.

 

 

 

The memorandum of understanding between the Province and the City of Victoria that was signed in January of 2008 is an important step down that path

 

This event today marks the second project under the MOU

 

The first is the new emergency shelter currently under construction on Ellice Street

 

We all know that emergency shelter is vital in giving people a helping hand in very difficult times

And now with Humboldt we are expanding supportive housing – which is so

important to meeting the housing needs of our community

The City of Victoria is dedicated to a housing first approach

– that means we are striving to ensure that everyone has a roof over there head - and are safe in that home.

 

And that we need to ensure the supports are in place to help people in their homes

We can do it

If we remain committed to working together – all levels of government and our community partners – we can really make a difference

So again – I want to thank everyone that has made this a project a reality

The province – Minister Coleman – your leadership is key,

 

I am so pleased to join you at the table as we move forward in ending homeless in Victoria

 

To Pacifica Housing – you are so important to this project, and many others around the city

The work Pacifica Housing undertakes and its history in our community is outstanding

 

– I am thankful for their participation.

I also want to acknowledge all the other community groups - who continue to show an unrelenting dedication to helping people in our community

 

And to the Coalition to End Homelessness –

 

who help keep the issue and very real impacts of homelessness at the forefront of our minds and actions.

 

The City cannot do this work alone

 

– I am grateful to all of you for your commitment and partnership.