Manitoba increasing affordable housing funding for 2SLGBTQ+ seniors

Place for Pride – Canada’s first affordable housing for 2SLGBTQ+ seniors and community campus of queer services – is getting an influx of funding from the province.

Manitoba Families Minister Rochelle Squires and Sports, Culture and Heritage Minister Obby Khan announcing an investment of $2.7 million towards the project.

“We understand the complexities of securing affordable housing are more pronounced for members of the 2SLGBTQQIA+ community. And even more so for members of the seniors population that have experiences homelessness or at risk of experiencing homelessness,” said Squires.

The collaboration between Rainbow Resource Centre and Westminster Housing society is in it’s first phase of construction. At a total cost of $20 million It will include 21 affordable housing units, 7 of which will be specifically dedicated to seniors.

There will also be spaces designated for cultural events, art exhibitions and displays. Resources will be available to those seeking social supports, and a café to connect with people of all ages and identities.

“There will also be a place to celebrate and share 2SLGBTQ+ history including a permanent home for the centre’s historical poster archive,” said Khan.

The Rainbow resource centre says they feel pride that they’ll soon have an established space that welcomes the community into a safe environment.

“For 50 years we’ve rented spaces in quiet corners of the city, and now we get a home that’s ours, that is permanent, and we can really call our home,” said Matthew Cutler, Chair of the Board for Rainbow Resource Centre.

Board Member, Melissa Novecosky adding, “I think visibility is the first part of it. Being able to be here in community, people being able to see it from the street, being able to walk up is a big part of it. People knowing that we’re here and what we can offer.”