The economic plan of the government between 2009 and 2011 did direct money for social housing. In the province of Quebec the money was used to make some new co-ops. As you pointed out in your questions, social housing or co-op housing is one of the ways to prevent homelessness, because it satellites people into housing and gives a way of life whereby people can pay their rent because it's affordable housing. The government did do it in the economic plan, and it was a great move. They should do it again.
On October 16th, 2012. See this statement in context.