Astum Api Niikinaahk, Winnipeg’s first tiny-homes village for people escaping homelessness, has been operating for nearly two years. Located behind Thunderbird House on Main Street, the village offers 22 transitional housing units, including bachelor suites and accessible units for people with mobility issues. The project aims to provide a stable home for those who have faced long-term homelessness, giving them a chance to rebuild their lives. Residents, like Jason Bell, appreciate the stability and sense of community the village offers, with many sharing meals and engaging in group activities.
While the project has seen successes, including four residents graduating to independent housing, challenges remain, especially for those with complex mental health and addiction issues. The staff, learning from these experiences, stress the need for increased support and higher staff-to-resident ratios. Astum Api Niikinaahk operates 24/7, with staff providing on-site care, but they face financial challenges, relying on funding from Manitoba Housing and other sources. The need for more supportive housing is pressing, with hundreds of people still in need. The project highlights the importance of stable, community-centered housing as a foundation for healing and ending homelessness.
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