Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew looks on as Bernadette Smith, Minister of Housing, Addictions and Homelessness and Minister responsible for Mental Health is sworn in by Lt. Gov. Anita Neville at a swearing-in ceremony in Winnipeg, Wednesday, Oct. 18, 2023. (THE CANADIAN PRESS/John Woods)
The Manitoba government has introduced a streamlined online application portal, Housing Starts Here, to support funding for affordable housing initiatives across the province.
The new portal aims to simplify the process for non-profit organizations, Indigenous governing bodies, and municipalities to access a $26-million grant for affordable housing projects, with a target of creating 350 new social housing units by 2025.
“Manitoba is growing, and the affordable housing challenge we face today calls for a fresh new approach and the ability to quickly respond to the needs of our partners in the non-profit housing sector including Indigenous governing bodies and municipalities,” said Housing, Addictions and Homelessness Minister Bernadette Smith.
The program enables eligible groups to apply for forgivable loans to acquire or renovate buildings for social housing or construct new units. It also includes funding for rent supplements and support services for people at risk of homelessness.
Additionally, the province is increasing the Proposal Development Fund to $5 million, providing grants and loans to help organizations with planning and development costs.
