In the past, United Churches ministries have supported Right to Housing’s calls for safe, affordable housing as a human right. Please take action before April 12 so that our voices will be heard in the province’s budget process. And scroll down for details on a gathering with decision makers in Winnipeg.

Manitoba’s social housing is inadequate and dwindling year after year. Since 2019, we have lost more than 880 units due to government policies. There are approximately 4,600 households on the waitlist for a unit. With no affordable options in the private rental market, many people end up staying with friends/family, in shelters, or outside.

People who rely on social assistance (EIA) as their main source of income are particularly vulnerable to homelessness. A single individual on EIA lives 45% below the poverty line and receives only $195 per month to pay for all expenses outside of rent (eg. clothing, toilet paper, food). Based on the national standard of a healthy diet for a single person in Winnipeg, food alone costs $343 per month.

The factors contributing to homelessness and poverty are complex. But we will fail in our response if we don’t invest in social housing and EIA.

Before the budget is released on April 12, send an email and ask the Premier, Minister of Finance and Minister of Family Services to:

  • Invest in 300 net new units of publicly owned rent-geared-to-income housing (social housing) annually for at least 5 years.
  • Increase the Employment and Income Assistance (EIA) basic needs benefit to take all Manitobans to at least 75% of the poverty line. (Email addresses are below.)

We need a budget with clear financial commitments to address homelessness and poverty.

For more information visit www.righttohousing.ca

Contact information

Premier  premier@leg.gov.mb.ca
Minister of Finance minfin@leg.gov.mb.ca
Minister of Family Services (Rochelle Squires, MLA Riel) minfs@leg.gov.mb.ca

Public event: Hope for Housing?  Ask Our Politicians

This evening of discussion with representatives of all three levels of government will be an important opportunity to let them know that the current state of affairs is not good enough.  What are they doing to address the scandal of homelessness in our province and the growing plague of poverty.

Thursday, April 21 at 7 pm  (coffee 6:45), United Church in Meadowood (1111 Dakota, Winnipeg, lots of parking)

Vaccinations required, masks are mandatory.