The Manitoba government is charting a path with concrete steps to address homelessness by investing $5.7 million in a phased approach to support Manitobans experiencing homelessness or at risk of becoming homeless over the winter months, Housing, Addictions and Homelessness Minister Bernadette Smith announced in a media release.
“Homelessness is a multi-faceted issue at the intersection of poverty, trauma, discrimination, mental health and addictions in a time of low-vacancy rates and soaring housing costs,” said Smith. “We are committed to working with all levels of government to address the significant need to build more social and affordable housing with a full range of supports to keep people housed.”
The minister announced the province is providing more than $2.8 million in phase one investments to create supportive housing with wraparound care in up to 250 rental units in Winnipeg, Brandon, Swan River and Portage la Prairie. The units will be made up of a combination of Manitoba Housing, non-profit and private market rentals with rent supplements.
Phase two initiatives will be shared in the new year specific to supports for women and LGBTQ2SIA+ people. Planning for these initiatives is being led by a new collaborative action circle co-chaired by the minister and Carol McCorrister, mobile crisis response team lead, Southern Chiefs’ Organization. The new collaborative action circle, which includes representatives from Indigenous organizations, the homeless-serving sector and women’s organizations from across Manitoba, will shift its focus after the winter response to develop a provincewide plan to support women and gender-diverse people experiencing homelessness on the path to permanent housing, noted the minister.
“These investments reflect a resolute commitment and rapid action in addressing critical needs,” said Jason Whitford, CEO, End Homelessness Winnipeg. “Recent events underscore the urgency to prioritize support, especially for Indigenous women, highlighting the invaluable contribution of our diverse community-based organizations in meeting these challenges with co-ordinated care and compassion.”
The minister noted more housing will be constructed in the longer term with other government partners and the short-term plan represents the largest provincial investment ever announced in the winter response to homelessness.
“Our government has a simple goal and an immense task – ending chronic homelessness in Manitoba,” said Smith. “We can only solve this collaboratively with all levels of government and the community organizations tirelessly supporting unsheltered relatives, no matter their circumstance.”
In November and December 2023, the Manitoba government engaged with agencies, municipal governments and Indigenous governments across the province asking for input on an immediate provincial response to assist unsheltered Manitobans this winter, with a particular focus on women, children and LGBTQ2SIA+ people. The winter response plan aligns with insights and recommendations shared in these consultations.
The agencies, community organizations and government organizations that are part of the new collaborative action circle include End Homelessness Winnipeg, Ma Mawi Wi Chi Itata Centre, Sunshine House, Ka Ni Kanichihk, Southern Chiefs’ Organization, Mount Carmel Clinic and Aboriginal Health and Wellness Centre. Additional partners may be included as a result of ongoing consultations.
Phase two is expected to be announced in early 2024, noted the minister.
