June 6, 2019
Manitoba to Designate Housing for Women and Children Affected by Family Violence
– – –Partnership with Community Agency to Ensure Focus on Safety: Ministers
The Manitoba government is seeking a community partner to help improve access to safe and supportive housing for women and children who have experienced family violence, Families Minister Heather Stefanson and Sustainable Development Minister Rochelle Squires, minister responsible for the status of women, announced today.
“A safe place to call home is important for every family, but particularly for those who are leaving violence and abuse,” said Stefanson. “This partnership will help ensure stable housing is available to women and their children when they need it the most. We look forward to proposals from community agencies to identify the greatest needs, identify opportunities to create dedicated housing and successfully move this project forward.”
Manitoba Housing has issued a request for expressions of interest (EOI) to community groups who have experience in property management or expertise in family violence. The successful proponent will work with the Manitoba government to designate up to 50 social housing units for women and children affected by family violence. These units could be managed by either the proponent or a property management company they select.
“Creating partnerships with our family violence prevention program agencies and Manitoba Housing will ensure that women who are experiencing family violence can be supported with safe housing options,” said Squires. “Dedicated housing units are essential for women as they move toward independence, and a place of healing and growth. With this new approach, families will benefit from the expertise of a community agency that understands the complex dynamics of family violence.”
This work is part of a larger initiative within Manitoba Housing to support locally developed solutions by transferring housing management to local organizations, as they are best able to meet the needs of vulnerable tenants.
The EOI is posted at www.gov.mb.ca/housing/progs/reoi-mhfvpp.html and will close on Aug. 9. The successful proponent will be chosen this fall, Squires noted.
For more information about Manitoba’s family violence prevention program, including supports available to women and families, visit www.gov.mb.ca/msw/fvpp.
Manitoba Housing provides a wide range of subsidized housing throughout the province, supporting thousands of families. For more information about how Manitoba Housing partners with community organizations, private groups and governments to create safe and affordable housing, visit www.gov.mb.ca/housing.
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