October 12, 2012
New Portage la Prairie Apartment Complex to Provide Affordable Homes for People Dealing With Mental Illness
– – –Transitional, Emergency Units to Provide Safe, Stable Housing for At-risk Manitobans: Irvin-Ross
PORTAGE LA PRAIRIE—Housing and Community Development Minister Kerri Irvin-Ross celebrated with residents here today at the grand opening of the Canadian Mental Health Association’s new apartment building that will provide affordable housing for people dealing with mental illness.
“Congratulations to the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) Portage Branch for creating such a wonderful new facilitythat will make a real difference in people’s lives,” said Irvin-Ross. “As a government, we recognize one of the greatest needs of people with a mental illness is good housing and this new complex will provide a safe haven for adults living with mental-health challenges. The Government of Manitoba is pleased to have provided funding for this project. ”
The apartment, located at 160 First St. NW in Portage la Prairie, received $760,000 in provincial funding and was developed by the CMHA Portage Branch. The 23-unit complex will have three emergency units, 11 transitional housing units and nine long-term units. The transitional units will allow those who are homeless or those at risk of becoming homeless an opportunity to stabilize their living conditions, the minister said. The proposed design incorporates mobility-enhanced features and includes 10 studio units, 12 one-bedroom units and one two-bedroom unit. Rent supplements will be available.
Manitoba’s portion of the funding originates from HOMEWorks!, Manitoba’s long-term housing strategy. Under this strategy, the province, through Manitoba Housing with the financial support of the Government of Canada, makes significant investments in social and affordable housing. The province has committed to the development of 1,500 affordable housing units across the province and has already approved the development of more than 1,000 homes.
HOMEWorks! supports ALL Aboard, Manitoba’s poverty-reduction strategy, by increasing the supply of quality, affordable housing for low-income Manitobans. More information about HOMEWorks! is available at www.gov.mb.ca/housing.
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