January 8, 2010
Federal And Provincial Investments Help Alleviate Homelessness In Manitoba
SWAN RIVER, MANITOBA, January 8, 2010—The governments of Canada and Manitoba are helping those who are homeless or at risk of homelessness build a stronger future for themselves.
The Honourable Rosann Wowchuk, Minister of Finance for Manitoba, on behalf of the Honourable Kerri Irvin-Ross, Minister of Housing and Community Development, and Mr. Inky Mark, Member of Parliament for Dauphin–Swan River–Marquette, on behalf of the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development, today congratulated the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) Swan Valley Branch Inc. for the successful completion of ECHO Apartments, a supportive housing facility in Swan River, Manitoba.
The facility has received almost $1.1 million in federal and provincial support. The federal contribution was provided under the Homelessness Partnering Strategy while the provincial contribution comes through the HOMEWorks! Rental and Cooperative Housing Program.
“We are committed to creating affordable housing around the province and that means reaching out to low-income Manitobans including those with a disability or other special needs,” said Minister Wowchuk. “With this partnership and projects like it, we continue to expand housing options and services in rural Manitoba.”
ECHO Apartments is a 22-unit integrated apartment building with eight studio units, 11 one-bedroom units, one two-bedroom unit and two self-contained emergency units designed for short-term use.
“Our government is stimulating the economy and supporting many Canadians with housing needs and is helping those seeking to break free of the cycle of homelessness and poverty,” said Mr. Mark. “Through this investment, the CMHA Swan Valley Branch will be able to help up to 49 individuals each year who are most in need in Manitoba’s North Parkland area.”
The CMHA will offer counseling and support, such as teaching better living and basic housekeeping skills to individuals who have previously had trouble maintaining a good tenant history.
“Homelessness is an issue for small communities as well as the larger urban centres, and the CMHA Swan Valley Branch is looking forward to working closely with local residents who have struggled with homelessness,” said Mr. Marv Fried, Executive Director of the Canadian Mental Health Association Swan Valley Branch. “The integrated approach of the ECHO Apartments will help us to develop a community environment and allow tenants to learn from each other.”
These investments are an important part of All Aboard: Manitoba’s Poverty Reduction Strategy and the HOMEWorks! Homeless Strategy with a Focus on Mental Health Housing.
For more information on the Homelessness Partnering Strategy, please visit:
For more information on Manitoba Housing, please visit www.gov.mb.ca/housing.
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BACKGROUND INFORMATION ATTACHED.
Backgrounder
The Homelessness Partnering Strategy - https://www.gov.mb.ca/asset_library/en/newslinks/2010/jan2010/SwanRiverCMHAApartments.HC.FI.DOC