$126 million to address homelessness in Manitoba through social housing

WINNIPEG — The Government of Manitoba is trying to get its residents off the streets.

The province announced $126 million in funding to build up to 700 new social housing units this year in an attempt to curb chronic homelessness, reads a news release.

The investment comes as part of a new strategy, A Place for Everyone.

The new units will be built through construction and rent supplement agreements. In addition to new units the maintenance budget for existing social housing will be increased.

The first step for the strategy is to increase services and help people retain housing. Emergency shelter funding will increase to enable 24/7 operation during winter months.

“We are pleased that this strategy mirrors End Homelessness in Winnipeg’s commitments. We look forward to a continued respectful relationship working in partnership with the Manitoba government to ensure this plan is successful,” said Jason Whitford, CEO of End Homelessness in Winnipeg, in the release.

“As an Indigenous organization, I think it bodes well that they recognize the importance of Reconciliation and Indigenous-led resources in the process.”