Manitoba government invests $5.25M in social housing units

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Published May 03, 2024 • Last updated May 06, 2024 • 2 minute read

Manitoba government is providing financial support for two projects that will create 46 new social housing units that target Manitobans experiencing homelessness and gender-based violence. Photo by Chris Procaylo /Winnipeg Sun

The Manitoba government is investing $5.25 million in capital funding for two projects to create 46 new social housing units targeting Manitobans experiencing homelessness and gender-based violence, it was announced Friday.

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"Through meaningful partnerships with community housing providers and significant investments, our government is increasing the social housing supply in Manitoba," said Housing, Addictions, and Homelessness Minister Bernadette Smith in a press release.

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"This marks another significant step forward in our collective efforts to address homelessness and provide vital support to our community," added Smith. "I can't wait to see these projects come to life as we take another step forward in our commitment to end chronic homelessness in our province and provide essential support to our communities."

As a result of investments from Manitoba Housing, these two projects will receive funding in the form of secured, fully forgivable loans for the development of social rental housing units.

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Led by the University of Winnipeg Community Renewal Corporation 2.0 (UWCRC 2.0), a four-storey, 15-unit building on Balmoral Street in downtown Winnipeg will serve as second-stage transitional housing for Indigenous and newcomer women and children who have faced gender-based violence. Partners in the project include Ikwe-Widdjitiwin, Family Dynamics and New Journey Housing. The Manitoba government is chipping in $2.25 million for its construction.

Bernadette Smith, Minister of Housing, Addictions and Homelessness of Manitoba, at a media event in Winnipeg on April 18, 2024. Photo by Chris Procaylo /Winnipeg Sun

"Miigwech to the Manitoba government for prioritizing the need for transitional housing for Indigenous and newcomer women and children impacted by gender-based violence," said Kim Fontaine, executive director of Ikwe-Widdjiitiwin. "The ability to transition families to a home that is layered in support and is safe and affordable provides the family the ability to continue on their healing journey in the best way possible. It allows them to live a life free of violence and to thrive. We are so thankful to be a partner in this project."

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The government has also earmarked $3 million for a new six-storey, 154-unit complex in Transcona, spearheaded by the Winnipeg Housing Rehabilitation Corporation (WHRC). This development will include 31 social housing units with several designed to be fully accessible, ensuring accommodation for individuals with diverse mobility needs.

"Following our success with Sir Paul Martin Estates, we are honored the Manitoba government is committed to supporting our new development in Transcona as the need for affordable housing extends beyond the confines of our city's core" said James Heinrichs, WHRC executive director. "Together with several social support partners, this mixed income project will create a truly inclusive supportive community, welcoming all in need of affordable housing, including those with physical challenges at risk of homelessness and starting their journey through the community housing and support system. We are excited to work with all levels of government and our partners to move this project forward."

The Manitoba government will provide rent supplements to ensure the units are rented to eligible tenants on a rent-geared-to-income basis, which helps ensure people are housed longer term, said Smith. Additional funding will also support residents with wraparound services to help them maintain successful tenancies. Together, annual funding amounts to $419,000 to UWCRC 2.0 and $334,000 to WHRC.

gdawkins@postmedia.com

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