June 9, 2021
Province Announces Applications for Manitoba Rent Bank Open
– – –New Program Provides Fast Access to No-Interest/No-Fee Loans to Ensure Stability, Protection for Households Experiencing Temporary Financial Hardship: Squires
Applications for a new rent relief program created by the province and delivered by the Manitoba Non-Profit Housing Association (MNPHA) are now open, Families Minister Rochelle Squires announced today.
“Our government is committed to protecting and supporting Manitobans through the COVID-19 pandemic, which has disproportionately affected the vulnerable,” said Squires. “Rent banks provide fast-access crisis intervention loans that help families pay rent or overdue utility bills and avoid eviction. The Manitoba Rent Relief Fund will be one more tool to stabilize households for low-income to moderate-income families across the province.”
The Manitoba Rent Relief Fund will provide interest-free loans to tenants who are behind in their rent or need resources to move to housing that is more suitable. The program will be administered through the MNPHA and delivered regionally through local rent banks.
“At a time of such uncertainty and stress, the Rent Relief loan acts as a bridge so individuals and families can keep or quickly access housing,” said Christina Maes Nino, executive director, MNPHA. “Because it is delivered by a community organization, and through our partnership with SEED Winnipeg, we can direct people to additional support they might need, beyond the loan, to maintain housing stability. This stability has huge economic and social benefits for families, landlords and communities.”
Earlier this spring, the minister announced a $5.6-million provincial investment to establish the rent bank program in support of stable housing for low-income and moderate-income families.
The MNPHA represents over 100 non-profit housing providers that collectively own and manage more than 24,000 affordable homes across 23 communities. Its mission is to build a thriving, sustainable and affordable non-profit housing sector through support services, professional development, education, advocacy and partnership development.
For more information on the Manitoba Rent Relief Fund or to apply, visit https://manitobahelps.com/.
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