As part of its plan to eliminate chronic homelessness, the Manitoba government is partnering with Siloam Mission to add supportive housing units for seniors and people exiting homelessness.
“This government committed to doing what it takes to address the urgent need for more affordable housing in Manitoba and our investment in this exciting project shows that we’re moving quickly to fulfil that promise,” said Housing, Addictions and Homelessness Minister Bernadette Smith. “I want to thank Siloam Mission, their community partners and generous donors for securing this building and transforming it into units where older Manitobans can live in dignity and be supported with compassion.”
The province is providing $844,800 to a new housing project at 4025 Roblin Blvd. in Winnipeg. The building was purchased by Siloam Mission to provide 32 units of supportive housing, predominantly for seniors. An annual funding of $576,000 will provide wraparound care and social supports for the building tenants, while $268,800 will ensure the units are offered at rent-geared-to-income rates, the minister noted.
Twenty people have already moved into the building. Units will also be available to long-term shelter users.
“Roblin is the first of many needed housing options to reduce homelessness in Winnipeg,” said Tessa Blaikie Whitecloud, CEO, Siloam Mission. “We are thrilled by our Manitoba government’s recognition that deeply affordable housing with adequate supports built right in is the ultimate solution to homelessness. Knowing the province is at the table to make this housing real is spearheading so many conversations and collaborations to address our social housing crisis. This is so crucial to creating the units we need to end chronic homelessness in Winnipeg. This housing is providing opportunities for people to thrive and to contribute back to their community, and we’re thrilled by the warm welcome we’ve received from the Charleswood community.”
Siloam Mission is a non-profit organization that provides housing and other supports to vulnerable Manitobans. It plans to establish 700 to 1,000 new, deeply affordable housing units in Winnipeg over the next 10 years for people who are precariously housed or currently experiencing homelessness.
