Archived News Releases

WINNIPEG – AUGUST 10, 2010 – With the support of three levels of government, the North End Women’s Centre will build a transitional housing facility to create stability and independence for women who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless.

 

The Honourable Kerri Irvin-Ross, Minister of Housing and Community Development, Ms. Joy Smith, Member of Parliament for Kildonan–St. Paul, on behalf of the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development and Minister Responsible for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, and Mr. Mike Pagtakhan, City Councillor for Point Douglas, today announced $917,640 to the North End Women’s Centre for its project, Transitional Housing Expansion, in Winnipeg.

 

“The North End Women’s Centre works toward the goal of equality for all women, and we are pleased that this assistance ensures access to housing and other key services,” said Minister Irvin-Ross. “Our government is committed to supporting locally driven approaches that strengthen families and to providing people in need with a safe and secure place to live.”

 

“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 Ms. Smith. “We are pleased to be working with the North End Women’s Centre, which will build safe, stable, transitional housing and provide support for women who are homeless or at risk of homelessness.”

 

“Projects like this one at the North End Women’s Centre help to create a fresh start for the women and children of our community looking for a safe place to call home,” said Mr. Pagtakhan. “The pride that comes with having your own living space and the ability to access support services results in hope and opportunity, and we are pleased to partner with the other levels of government to assist in making it happen.”   

 

“One of the biggest needs in our community is for safe, affordable housing. Because of the Homelessness Partnering Strategy funding, we are able to provide a safe home and programming for six community women who are working to overcome their own addictions,” said Ms. Heather Block, Chair of the Board for the North End Women’s Centre. “Giving them a place where they don’t have to worry about their own basic needs will allow them to put their energy into making healthier lives for themselves.”

 

The Homelessness Partnering Strategy will provide $917,640 to the North End Women’s Centre for the construction of a transitional housing facility. This new building will contain six transitional housing units, kitchen and laundry facilities, a children’s play area, office space and a supportive programming area for community women, who are homeless or at risk of homelessness, and are struggling with addictions, safety and chronic transience.

 

Through Manitoba’s Long-Term Housing Strategy, HOMEWorks!, the Province of Manitoba and the Government of Canada are contributing $378 million over two years for housing initiatives in Winnipeg and across the province. More information about HOMEWorks! is available at www.gov.mb.ca/housing.

 

These investments are being delivered through the Winnipeg Housing and Homelessness Initiative (WHHI), a partnership between the Government of Canada, the Province of Manitoba and the City of Winnipeg. The partners work together to deliver funding provided through each level of government for affordable housing, to address homelessness, and to assist in the revitalization of Winnipeg’s older neighbourhoods. Since 2000, the WHHI partnership has committed over $138 million to repair, rehabilitate, or build over 5,000 housing units as well as assist those who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. The WHHI is a single-window office for community organizations to access information on government-funded housing and homelessness programs. For more information, visit www.whhi.ca.