n the May 24-25, 2022 Street Census in Winnipeg, 1,256 people reported experiencing homelessness. We know that it is challenging to count how many people are experiencing homelessness in a given night and that many more people couch surf and have other forms of hidden homelessness than stay in shelters or are able to be found and counted. However, as a baseline, 1,256 experiencing homelessness in Winnipeg is far too many people without this basic need and human right.

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Another key finding was that “the vast majority of people experiencing homelessness are Indigenous. 75% of respondents were Indigenous.” They also noted, “Indigenous people were more likely to be staying in unsheltered locations. Nearly 9 in 10, or 89%, of people who slept outdoors, in abandoned buildings, tents, vehicles, encampments or other public locations were Indigenous.” Prior to embarking on this project, Raising the Roof consulted members of the Indigenous led Winnipeg Boldness Project on the type of housing most in need in the community at the time. They indicated that larger unit sizes, appropriate for families with children.

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Because of these community needs, Raising the Roof sought a property suitable for development into large 3-4 bedroom units for Indigenous families.

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That search led Raising the Roof to purchase an abandoned nail salon on Mountain Avenue in Winnipeg’s North End. It was converted into three units of affordable housing. Two of the units are large three bedroom apartments and are tenanted by Indigenous families that were at risk of separation without safe, stable housing or could be reunited with safe housing. Local organizations, Siloam Mission. Zoongizi Ode Inc and Five Stones provide property management and ongoing wraparound supports for the tenants.

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Purpose Construction, a Winnipeg based social enterprise contractor, used the renovations on this project to train and employ 40 people who are risk of homelessness, including many Indigenous youth.

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