HireUp receives Government of Canada funding to combat youth homelessness

TORONTO, Oct. 13, 2017 /CNW/ - HireUp Technology Inc. is pleased to announce that the Government of Canada, through the Innovative Solutions to Homelessness funding stream, is supporting the development of an innovative platform designed to combat homelessness through employment with a $396,896 grant.

Incubated by Canada's leading social innovation consultancy, Impakt, HireUp is now an independent social enterprise with a mission of helping to end youth homelessness by connecting employers to young people who are at-risk of or have lived experience of homelessness. The Government of Canada is funding the development of a platform to help provide economic opportunities to youth who have been disconnected from the labour market.

"By investing in jobs for today's youth, it ensures that they have a real and fair chance at a successful future. The Government of Canada is focused on supporting organizations such as Impakt Corporation, who are taking innovative approaches to preventing and reducing homelessness. We are proud to support projects like HireUp, which has developed an important tool to match youth that are at risk of becoming homeless with a job in their community," said the Honourable Jean-Yves Duclos, Minister of Families, Children and Social Development.

"HireUp exists to provide opportunities to young people who have been left behind. With the support of the Government of Canada, we can develop a platform designed to help screen candidates in ? not out ? of recruitment processes," said Preston Aitken, CEO of HireUp. "We can also coordinate improved levels of support so that youth facing barriers can overcome their unique challenges. We are excited about the possibilities that our platform can play in augmenting and accelerating employment supports for young people across this country."

With this funding, HireUp will continue building their platform that provides opportunities for vulnerable youth across Canada. In fact, more than 5,000 youth will secure jobs through the platform over the course of the next two years.

"HireUp, a for-profit B Corporation, is receiving government support to tackle homelessness," said Paul Klein, founder of HireUp and CEO of Impakt. "Delivering social impact is for everyone, whether you are a charity, non-profit, B Corporation, social enterprise or for-profit ? it's great to see the Government of Canada fostering and supporting social innovations in all of its forms. HireUp is a perfect example of how the private sector can play a leading role in creating social impact."

About HireUp Technology Inc.: HireUp connects untapped talent to work ? that talent just happens to be youth who have experienced or are at-risk of homelessness. HireUp works with some of Canada's largest employers and has partnerships with 87 community-based organizations nationwide.

Funded in part by the Government of Canada's Homelessness Partnering Strategy.

SOURCE HireUp