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The 2022 winners of the Spirit of Housing Awards:
The Spirit of Housing Awards recognize and reward individuals (staff, board members, and tenants), groups, and non-profits who have made an outstanding contribution to the quality of non-profit housing. The awards were presented at the 10th Annual Building Partnerships Conference, September, 26 2022 in Winnipeg, Manitoba at Preservation Hall Eatery.
Congratulations to Seine River Haven for being selected for the Spirit of Achievement Award!
This recognition award honours one tenant or tenants associated with an MNPHA housing provider member who made a meaningful contribution towards making their own non-profit a better place to live, the well being of their neighbourhood and fostered connections among tenants and others within their community. This is a unique situation where we would like to celebrate the organization as a whole, including the Board, Tenants, and the Management for the collective efforts made to provide a welcoming environment for Ukrainian Refugees to Manitoba.
Earlier this summer C.O.F. Haven, a client of SAM Management, passed a board motion to support up to 25 Ukrainian Families at one of their properties. The motion was to make an exception that would allow Ukrainian families to be housed in what is typically a seniors complex. Volunteers from the Board as well as building residents helped SAM staff coordinate suite viewings and move ins for refugees.
Various local programs, including TAP and the Ukrainian Canadian Congress, provided support to the families in need, with C.O.F. Properties collecting and distributing donations. Volunteers from the community offered everything from rides to help refugees pick up groceries to assistance setting up bank accounts and internet services. One generous resident created goodie bags for children with stuffed animals, coloring pages, toys, and games.
C.O.F. and SAM offered discounts for some families who couldn’t afford rent, while others are being sponsored privately by Winnipeggers. To date the building has placed families into 16 units, and SAM continues to refer refugees to C.O.F Properties and Westminster Housing Properties. Most of the adults have already found employment and are very grateful for the support they have received.
Thanks to C.O.F. and SAM for your dedication and hard work, and congratulations!
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Manitoba Government Invites Non-Profit Organizations and Charities to Apply for Grants Under the Journey to Independence Fund
The Manitoba government is calling on non-profit organizations and registered charities to apply for short-term grants of up to $300,000 under the Journey to Independence Fund.
In 2021, the Manitoba government established a $20-million endowment fund with The Winnipeg Foundation. Annual revenue from the fund is used to award grants to organizations across Manitoba that improve access to community participation, create greater economic stability, and support meaningful transitions into the labour market for target populations within the EIA program.
For the fund’s initial intake, proposals should aim to provide opportunities that:
- improve access to community participation and labour market attachment for target populations within provincial social assistance programs; and
- support the reduction of enrolment in government programs and long-term adherence to social assistance.
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MNPHA Housing Supports Initiative Update: A Story from the Jubilee Fund
Join Jubilee Fund as they celebrate securing safe housing for a strong Indigenous mother of three in Winnipeg through the Rent Guarantee Program! Shawna, a Winnipeg resident, had been searching since May for a home in the North Kildonan area. The area was home for herself and her boys for many years and where they felt safest. She wanted to stay in the area but also needed a home with 1.5 baths due to a medical condition in the home.
Having had a difficult life journey leaving her home town of Ashern as a single mother in 2000 to escape an abusive partner, she was not new to fighting for herself and her children. Due to COVID-19, she lost her job at the start of the pandemic and sacrificed the comforts of regular meals, a cellphone, and her vehicle to survive. Due to her loss of a job, she eventually was unable to pay for rent despite having paid rent on time for 19 years.
In May 2022, although she was able afford to pay for an apartment, due to the COVID-19 impact that left her evicted and homeless, no landlord was willing to give her a chance. Shawna found a newly renovated suite in North Kildonan from an independent landlord. However, the landlord, having just had a difficult tenant removed hence the extensive renovations, was hesitant to accept Shawna's application.
After communicating with our team, the landlord agreed to give Shawna and her boys the benefit of the doubt. As of September 1st, Shawna and her sons can relax in their own home for the first time since the pandemic started!
Moving forward, Jubilee Fund's job is to ensure continued emotional support as she rebuilds her life.
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The Winnipeg We Want (Urbanist Panel) even THIS TUESDAY (Oct. 4th)
This panel discussion on housing, public transit, active transportation, and climate action will be held at Ralph Brown Community Centre (520 Machray Ave.) on Tuesday, October 4 from 6-8pm. Masks are required, and you can get more information at yesinwpg.com.
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Landlord Information Session: Supporting Healthy Tenancy
This free session on October 13 is presented by Downtown and Point Douglas Community Facilitators and the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority. It will be held at Sargent Tommy Prince Place (90 Sinclair St.) from 6:30-8:00pm, and will review program eligibility and how to connect different services. To register contact Stephanie at housingoutreach@necrc.org.
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CHRA's Blueprint for Housing
On September 7, CHRA launched the Blueprint for Housing, an in-depth policy document that will help inform CHRA’s advocacy efforts over the coming decade as we work towards our goal of ensuring that all who live in Canada have access to safe, affordable, appropriate housing.
Informed by an extensive consultation process with CHRA members, housing leaders, and stakeholders, the Blueprint for Housing was born of a sector-wide realization: that existing housing policies and programs are not doing enough to ensure that all who live in Canada have homes that are affordable and meet their needs. The Blueprint outlines the key issues facing Canada’s community housing sector and identifies 27 recommendations to address them.
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Efficiency Manitoba Introduces New Rebate Program
Efficiency Manitoba is now offering solar rebates to businesses and homeowners! You can receive a rebate of $0.50 per direct current (DC) watt installed on businesses up to 50 kW as well as homes up to 10 kW that are connected to Manitoba Hydro’s grid.
The benefits extend beyond rebates. Installing a solar photovoltaic (PV) system can reduce your monthly energy bill, mitigate the impact of future rate increases, and provide energy to your business or home in a sustainable manner. To learn more click here.
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Westminster Housing Society: Executive Director
Westminster Housing Society (WHS) is looking to hire its first Executive Director - a highly motivated, community-minded problem-solver with connections to West Broadway and the ability to propel Westminster Housing forward.
WHS’s mission is to provide good quality housing to lower income tenants at rental rates they can afford. To achieve this, WHS rehabilitates, constructs and manages housing stock in Winnipeg’s West Broadway and other core-area neighbourhoods. WHS is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors and its 100+ units are managed by SAM Management
Reporting directly to the Board of Directors, the full-time Executive Director will manage the day-to-day operations of Westminster Housing, offer direct support to tenants, liaise with our property management company and support the board in building new, deeply affordable housing units in Winnipeg’s core. As this is a new position, we envision a first-year focus on creating Westminster’s policies, structures and funding mechanisms, and a second-year focus on expanding both the organization as well as additional affordable units.
MNPHA: Case Management Support Worker, Rent Relief Program
MNPHA is currently delivering a rent relief program that provides no interest loans for low to moderate income Manitobans to help secure, maintain or stabilize housing. We are currently hiring an Administrative Assistant to keep the program organized, ensure positive and responsive communication, and support the staff team in processing loans.
TERM: This is a term position until March 31 with a strong possibility of extension depending on funding availability.
SALARY: $35,000 to $41,600 per year dependent on experience and qualifications.
DETAILS: This position is primarily remote with a requirement to attend the office located in the Exchange District as needed. Hours are full time (40 hours/week) from Monday to Friday days.
Responsibilities include processing applications including interviewing applicants in order to make a recommendation for approval of the loan, providing referrals and information about resources to participants, liaising with landlords and utility providers and following up on applications where needed.
Please apply WITH cover letter including salary expectations and resume to: Cheryl Krostewitz, Director of Programs.
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membership@mnpha.com I (204)797-6746 ext.3
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