Raising the Roof’s newest acquisition is an empty residential building in downtown Winnipeg that will become permanent, affordable, and supportive housing for people experiencing or at risk of experiencing homelessness. Once it’s ready, the 23 unit building will increase Winnipeg’s total supply of supportive housing by 8%.

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In End Homelessness Winnipeg’s 2022 Updated Winnipeg Rental Housing Supply report, they noted that approximately 200-576 new units of permanent supportive housing were required. During 2021-2022, the time period covered in the report, 60 of these units were created.

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There were several significant findings from the 2022 Point in Time Winnipeg Street Census including the fact that Indigenous peoples represented 75% of the unhoused population, more than half of the participants had prior CFS involvement, with 92.3% identifying as Indigenous, educational attainment was linked to homelessness, with over half of the participants lacking a high school diploma, and many cited low income as a primary cause of homelessness.

 

Most people experiencing homelessness surveyed in the Street Census had simple and direct aspirations to safe and clean affordable housing. One respondent on the Street Census survey said “a one room apartment, to call home and be safe” is what he wanted. Others said they wanted an apartment with two rooms so they could care for their children or grandchildren. 

 

Through this project on Young Street in Winnipeg, Raising the Roof intends to not only meet this basic need for a safe, affordable home, but provide on site support services to help people not just move in, but stay housed and meet their longterm goals.

Chandos, a certified B corps contractor, is acting as the General Contractor. As much of the work as possible is subcontracted to social enterprise contracting partners, giving opportunity for hands-on trades training for Indigenous youth and others in need of support and connections to begin construction careers. 

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Main Street Project will oversee resident placement and deliver on-site support services for residents, helping to ensure long-term housing stability and well-being. Property maintenance will be managed in partnership with FiveStones, a community-minded property management company. Raising the Roof looks forward to working with local neighbourhood groups and community organizations as opportunities arise to foster connection and community building.

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For more information on this project, please contact Vicky at vtoman@raisingtheroof.org