June 15, 2026
Manitoba Government Announces 26 New Transitional Housing Units for Women and Children Escaping Gender-Based Violence
– – –Two New Housing Developments in Downtown Winnipeg Will Offer Safe, Affordable Housing and Supports: Ministers
Women and children escaping gender-based violence now have access to 26 new supported transitional housing units with the opening of two new housing developments in downtown Winnipeg, Housing, Addictions and Homelessness Minister Bernadette Smith, minister responsible for mental health, and Families Minister Nahanni Fontaine, minister responsible for gender equity, announced today.
“This is another step in our government’s initiative to make safe, affordable housing readily available for Manitobans who need it most,” said Smith. “These new units represent the commitment of our government to expand support services, provide safe spaces and ensure everyone has access to the help they need. This is going to be transformative for women and their families and will help break cycles by providing housing and healing through a trauma-informed lens.”
The projects include two developments in the downtown area, with the first being Standing Eagle, an 11-unit transitional housing development completed in January and is now fully occupied, Smith noted. Tenants will pay rent based on income, helping ensure housing remains affordable and accessible.
The second transitional housing development will be named Morning Light, a 15-unit second-stage development that will be completed by the end of June, with full occupancy anticipated in July, Smith noted. The development includes 10 studio units, three two-bedroom units and two three-bedroom units, with tenancies expected to range from six to 24 months.
“Our government is building a Manitoba where survivors of gender-based violence and their families have the tools, resources and supports they need to heal,” said Fontaine. “Supported transitional housing projects like Standing Eagle give women and children a stable place to call home while they build a new path forward to a better future.”
Both buildings offer affordable housing and on-site supports to help women transition from violence to long-term housing stability. Family Dynamics, Ikwe Widdjiitiwin and New Journey Housing will provide on-site support services to residents, Fontaine noted.
“No one leaving violence should have to choose between staying unsafe and having nowhere to go,” said Mayor Scott Gillingham, City of Winnipeg. “These homes give women and children a safe place to land, with the supports they need to rebuild their lives and move toward long-term stability. Winnipeg is in the middle of the strongest surge in affordable and deeply affordable housing construction we have seen in 50 years, and these projects show why that work matters.”
Both projects were developed through the Rapid Housing Initiative, a federal program delivered by the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation that provides capital funding to support the rapid creation of affordable housing for people in the greatest need, including those experiencing or at risk of homelessness.
The Manitoba government worked alongside federal, municipal and community partners to help bring the developments to completion, including the University of Winnipeg Community Renewal Corporation (UWCRC).
“Through strong partnerships, thoughtful design and integrated supports, Standing Eagle and Morning Light provide safe, dignified homes where families can heal and rebuild their lives,” said Sahla Mitchell, director of real estate development advancement, UWCRC. “We are proud to help create housing that empowers families to break cycles of violence and lay the foundation for lasting stability and brighter futures for generations to come.”
The Manitoba government provided approximately $4 million in capital funding for the projects and is also providing ongoing funding for rent supplements and support services, the ministers noted.
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