The Manitoba government is investing up to $5.25 million in capital funding for the creation of 46 new social housing units, announced Housing, Addictions, and Homelessness Minister Bernadette Smith today.
The funding, in the form of secured, fully forgivable loans, will support two projects aimed at addressing immediate community needs. “Through meaningful partnerships with community housing providers and significant investments, our government is increasing the social housing supply in Manitoba,” said Smith.
The first project, led by the University of Winnipeg Community Renewal Corporation 2.0 (UWCRC 2.0), involves the construction of a four-storey, 15-unit building in downtown Winnipeg. This building will serve as second-stage transitional housing for Indigenous and newcomer women and children who have faced gender-based violence. The Manitoba government is dedicating $2.25 million for its construction.
Kim Fontaine, executive director of Ikwe-Widdjiitiwin, expressed gratitude for the government’s support. “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 Fontaine.
The second project, spearheaded by the Winnipeg Housing Rehabilitation Corporation (WHRC), involves the construction of a new six-storey, 154-unit complex in Transcona. The complex will include 31 social housing units, several of which will be fully accessible. The government has earmarked $3 million for this project.
James Heinrichs, executive director of WHRC, welcomed the government’s commitment. “Following our success with Sir Paul Martin Estates, we are honored the Manitoba government is committed to supporting our new development in Transcona,” said Heinrichs.
Minister Smith highlighted the government’s commitment to ending chronic homelessness and providing essential support to communities. The Manitoba government will provide rent supplements to ensure the units are rented to eligible tenants on a rent-geared-to-income basis. Additional funding will also support residents with wraparound services to help them maintain successful tenancies. Annual funding amounts to $419,000 to UWCRC 2.0 and $334,000 to WHRC.
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