Southwestern Manitoba’s largest city, Brandon, has broken ground on a new 24-unit transitional housing project aimed at assisting those who are homeless, at risk of homelessness, or exiting the corrections system. This three-storey building, a collaboration between the John Howard Society of Brandon and Westman Youth for Christ, is set to provide crucial support and stability.
The project, located on the 300 block of 16th Street North, has raised about $10.6 million through federal, provincial, municipal funds, and community support. An additional $300,000 is still needed to complete construction, which is expected to finish by June 2025. The building will feature a main floor for skill development and resource access. The second floor will have 16 one-bedroom suites, while the third floor will offer eight larger suites with full amenities. Residents will transition from the smaller suites to the larger ones as they gain skills and move towards independent living.
Matthew Andert, a local resident and current occupant of the Safe and Warm Shelter, highlighted the critical need for such housing in Brandon. The number of homeless individuals in the city has risen from 401 in late 2023 to 521 in early 2024, reflecting a growing crisis. The initiative began in response to the closure of the YWCA’s Meredith Place in May 2022, which left Brandon without transitional housing. The John Howard Society aims to create barrier-free housing that links residents with social programs and resources, helping them transition to permanent housing.
John Howard chair Ted Dzogan emphasized the importance of community involvement for the project’s success. He views the groundbreaking as a milestone in a two-year effort, underscoring that community support will be vital for its ongoing success and sustainability.
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