Innovative Housing Initiative to Promote Stability, Independence for the Homeless
WINNIPEG, MANITOBA, April 23, 2010—An innovative new housing initiative, developed with the support of three levels of government at the Main Street site of the former Bell Hotel, will promote stability and independence for individuals who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless.
The Honourable Steven Fletcher, Minister of State (Democratic Reform), on behalf of the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development; the Honourable Kerri Irvin-Ross, Minister of Housing and Community Development for Manitoba; and Councillor Mike Pagtakhan, Point Douglas Ward, on behalf of His Worship Sam Katz, Mayor of Winnipeg, today announced support of more than $6.16 million for the development of 42 units of supportive housing for individuals experiencing homelessness.
“Our government is giving a hand-up to Canadians with housing needs and is helping those seeking to break free of the cycle of homelessness and poverty,” said Minister of State Fletcher. “Through this partnership, we will be able to develop a supportive housing complex with support services to assist those who are homeless or at risk of homelessness.”
“We are taking every measure to reach out to the people who have experienced chronic homelessness,” said Minister Irvin-Ross. “There is much evidence from other jurisdictions that these types of initiatives can assist in decreasing emergency room visits, hospital bed utilization, and mental health symptoms, and increasing residential stability, independence and empowerment.”
“Providing a safe and welcoming place to call home, along with access to key community-based services, will give those who have felt they’ve had nowhere to go with a strong sense of hope for a new start in life,” said Councillor Pagtakhan. “This project provides hope, and the City of Winnipeg is very pleased to support this important initiative.”
The Government of Manitoba’s HOMEWorks! Program is providing up to $2.5 million, and the federal government’s Homelessness Partnering Strategy is providing $2.75 million, toward the capital construction of this project. CentreVenture is contributing the land and the building at an estimated value of $515,000. The remaining amount of $415,000 will be provided through private fundraising and potentially the new Downtown Residential Development Grant.
The Bell project involves the redevelopment of the former Bell Hotel, located at 662 Main Street, and will include common and office space on the main floor and in the basement. Six of the units will be fully accessible.
The conversion plan also incorporates space for service programming and other support initiatives that are designed to work with residents to maintain a stable tenancy.
Through Manitoba’s Long-Term Housing Strategy, HOMEWorks!, the Province of Manitoba and the Government of Canada are contributing $327 million over two years for housing initiatives in Winnipeg and across the province. Manitoba is contributing $227 million, and the federal contribution is close to $100 million. The investment is part of HOMEWorks!, a long-term strategy and two-year plan to create stronger communities through housing solutions. More information about the strategy is available at www.manitoba.ca/housing.
An investment of almost $60 million included in Budget 2010 will allow for the construction of social and affordable housing, which are key components of Manitoba Moving Forward, the Province’s five-year economic plan, as well as the ALL Aboard poverty reduction strategy.
In September 2008, the government invested more than $1.9 billion in housing and homelessness over five years. This ongoing funding ensures that the Government can continue to assist people who are homeless and those at risk of homelessness—including low-income Canadians, seniors, people with disabilities, recent immigrants and Aboriginal people in need of support.
Canada’s Economic Action Plan is building on these investments by making an additional one‑time investment of more than $2 billion over two years in new and existing social housing, and by making available up to $2 billion in loans to Canadian municipalities over two years for housing‑related infrastructure improvements. The Government’s investments are creating jobs, stimulating local economies and improving the quality of life for many Canadians. To learn more about Canada’s Economic Action Plan, please visit www.actionplan.gc.ca.
The availability of safe and stable housing and related supports is an important element in addressing homelessness and helping individuals who are homeless achieve greater self‑sufficiency and a better quality of life. The Homelessness Partnering Strategy emphasizes longer‑term supportive and transitional housing by focusing on a housing‑first approach to help people make the transition out of the cycle of homelessness.
For more information on the Homelessness Partnering Strategy, please visit www.hrsdc.gc.ca/homelessness.
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The Province of Manitoba is distributing this release on behalf of the governnments of Canada, Manitoba and Winnipeg.
Backgrounder
Funding Information - https://www.gov.mb.ca/asset_library/en/newslinks/2010/jan2010/BellHotelBG.HC.doc