The Manitoba Housing waitlist has reached alarming levels, with over 7,500 individuals seeking public housing as of November 2023. This figure marks the highest waitlist count since July 2020, when it exceeded 8,700 people. The current situation has raised concerns among advocates who argue that the government’s efforts to address homelessness are neglecting the needs of other low-income families.
Current Waitlist Statistics
In July 2023, the waitlist stood at 5,313, indicating a significant increase in just a few months. This growth comes amid reports of thousands of vacant units awaiting necessary repairs.
- Waitlist Size (November 2023): Over 7,500
- Waitlist Size (July 2023): 5,313
- Peak Waitlist Size (July 2020): Over 8,700
Impact on Families
Families like that of Savanna Huard, who has been on the waitlist for nearly six years, illustrate the dire situation. Currently living in a cramped three-bedroom apartment in Winnipeg’s Central Park neighborhood, Huard expressed frustration over the lack of available units. She dreams of a larger home where her children can have separate spaces.
Huard’s story is not unique. Many families face difficult living conditions, often with children sharing makeshift bedrooms in unsafe environments.
Government Responses
In response to the rising waitlist, Manitoba’s Housing Minister Bernadette Smith acknowledged the increasing demand for housing. She emphasized the need for time to build new units for those in need. Since the NDP government took office in October 2023, they have created 51 new social housing units, while 278 more are currently under construction, with an additional 581 in development.
- New Social Housing Units Built: 51
- Units Under Construction: 278
- Units in Development: 581
Focus on Ending Homelessness
The government has implemented the “Your Way Home” strategy, which aims to house those living in encampments. Since the plan’s announcement in January, 239 individuals have been successfully relocated. However, critics argue that the focus on encampments has overshadowed the needs of others on the waitlist.
Experts like Shauna MacKinnon from the University of Winnipeg stress the importance of not neglecting low-income families who are also in need of housing. The shortage of available units means that many individuals living in inadequate conditions are left unaddressed.
Alternative Housing Solutions
Organizations such as St. Boniface Street Links advocate for involving the private sector in addressing housing demands. They have successfully found housing for 386 individuals since April 2023, showcasing a model that focuses on low-barrier options beyond just social housing.
As Manitoba navigates these challenges, it faces a pressing need to balance urgent housing solutions for the homeless while ensuring that other families awaiting assistance are not left behind.
